Welfare Reforms: Number 10 to Make Concessions
- prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a major rebellion from within the Labour Party over the government's planned welfare cuts.
- Downing Street is considering softening changes to disability benefit eligibility, which had been considerably tightened under the proposed reforms.
- Concessions under discussion include adjustments to the points required for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a benefit for those in and out of work.
Keir Starmer‘s government confronts a fierce rebellion over the proposed welfare reform bill,forcing No. 10 to consider making concessions. This comes amidst mounting anger among Labour MPs regarding planned cuts, notably those affecting disability benefits. Over 120 MPs are threatening to revolt, signaling deep divisions within the party.Discussions are focused on softening aspects of the reform, including adjustments to Personal Independence Payments. Key figures, including select commitee chairs, are leading the resistance, putting considerable pressure on the Prime minister. For more on how this unfolds,follow the developments at News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for this critical vote.
Starmer Faces Rebellion Over Welfare Reform Bill, Considers Concessions
Updated June 25, 2025
prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a major rebellion from within the Labour Party over the government’s planned welfare cuts. In response, No.10 is reportedly preparing to offer concessions to quell the growing unrest.
Downing Street is considering softening changes to disability benefit eligibility, which had been considerably tightened under the proposed reforms. More than 120 Labour MPs are poised to rebel next tuesday, highlighting deep divisions within the government on how to manage the situation.
Concessions under discussion include adjustments to the points required for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a benefit for those in and out of work. mps are also pushing for changes to reforms affecting the health top-up for Global Credit, which supports individuals unable to work. The welfare reform bill is at the heart of the dispute.
Morgan McSweeney, the prime minister’s chief of staff, has been in direct talks with senior dissenting mps.Several cabinet ministers now believe the bill, in its current form, is unlikely to pass. Despite this, some ministers are still engaging with disgruntled mps in an attempt to garner support.
Starmer is expected to engage directly with MPs after returning from the NATO summit Wednesday evening. His dismissive response to the unrest, referring to it as “noises off,” has further fueled anger within the party.he insisted that his party remains “pretty united” behind the need for change.
Labour whips have privately acknowledged their struggles in persuading MPs to withdraw their names from an amendment that could effectively kill the welfare bill next Tuesday. Select commitee chairs, including treasury Select Committee Chair Meg Hillier, are leading the rebellion, along with previously loyal Labour MPs concerned about the extent of the disability cuts.
At least two more MPs are expected to sign the reasoned amendment, potentially bringing the total number of rebel labour MPs to at least 126 by Thursday morning. Only one MP has withdrawn their name despite significant pressure from whips and cabinet ministers. Toby Perkins, chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee and a former shadow minister, is among the latest to sign the amendment.
Both Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner have maintained that the vote will proceed. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly strongly opposed to withdrawing the vote. Sources indicate considerable disagreement within the government, with one source describing “a camp for pulling it, a camp for concession, and a small but insane camp for ploughing on,” suggesting Reeves is in the latter camp.
Ministers and MPs have told the Guardian they do not believe the government can proceed with the bill given the level of unrest. One frontbench source stated,”I don’t believe there is a way to win this vote without offering a concession that can peel away a big chunk of those rebels.”
What’s next
Starmer faces a critical juncture as he returns from the NATO summit. His ability to address the concerns of rebel MPs and potentially offer meaningful concessions will determine the fate of the welfare reform bill and his leadership within the Labour Party.