Labour MPs launch rebellion against welfare cuts as more than 100 back bid to kill bill

23 June 2025, 20:52 | Updated: 24 June 2025, 11:04

Labour MPs will reportedly launch a “reasoned amendment” to the government’s upcoming welfare reforms, as Sir Keir Starmer faces a growing rebellion over plans to cut disability benefits.

The MPs will look to “water down” Liz Kendall’s proposals, which could plunge thousands into poverty.

The Work and Pensions secretary faced questions from backbench MPs on Monday night, as the government desperately looked to prevent open rebellion within the party.

Under the proposals, ministers will limit eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC).

So far the bill's amendment has been signed by at least 108 MPs in a major rebellion that could see the welfare bill stopped in its tracks.

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Ms Kendall told MPs on Monday night there is “no route to social justice based on greater benefit spending alone”.

Ministers have previously said the reforms could save up to £5 billion a year.

But in a sign they are now emphasising a moral case for the Bill over its financial savings, Ms Kendall told MPs: “The path to a fairer society – one where everyone thrives, where people who can work get the support they need, and where we protect those who cannot – that is the path we seek to build with our reforms.

“Our plans are rooted in fairness – for those who need support and for taxpayers.

“They are about ensuring the welfare state survives, so there is always a safety net for those who need it. They’re about putting proper safeguards in place to protect the most vulnerable.

“But above all they are about our belief that everyone can fulfil their potential and live their hopes and dreams when, collectively, we provide them with real opportunities and support. This is the better future we seek to build for our constituents and our country.”

Despite Ms Kendall’s efforts to build a consensus, Labour MPs continued to voice their concerns in the Commons on Monday.

Richard Burgon, Leeds East MP, said: “Isn’t the simple and sad truth that any MP who votes for this upcoming welfare Bill is voting to take Pip from disabled people who need assistance to cut up their food, wash themselves and go to the toilet?”

Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said: “Ministers have highlighted the scale of Pip recipients expected to lose payments make up one in 10 of the total Pip caseload, suggesting the impact of the cuts will be limited, but that’s still 370,000 current recipients expected to lose on average £4,500.

“But these numbers rest on a set of assumptions that the OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) has described as highly uncertain. DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) data shows there are 1.3 million people currently receiving Pip daily living payments who would not meet the new criteria.

“So before MPs are asked to vote on imposing such appalling poverty, will the DWP or the OBR provide further evidence underpinning these claims?”

The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will be debated on July 1, when it receives its second reading in the Commons.

Pip is a benefit aimed at helping with extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition.

Data for Pip claimants begins in January 2019, when the number was 2.05 million.

An impact assessment published alongside the Bill confirmed previously published estimates that changes to Pip entitlement rules could see about 800,000 people lose out, with an average loss of £4,500 per year.