Despite £2.5bn in U-turns, labour MPs warn welfare bill will still devastate disabled lives

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is staring down a major rebellion within his own party today, as Labour MPs prepare to vote on a controversial welfare reform bill that has sparked outrage across the political spectrum. Despite making last-minute concessions to soften the impact of proposed cuts, dozens of MPs say they cannot back the plan, which critics argue will push thousands more disabled people into poverty.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced on Monday that the government would no longer apply changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility for existing claimants. In a move to calm the unrest, she confirmed that the standard Universal Credit allowance, along with the health top-up, will rise annually in line with inflation throughout this Parliament.

Kendall also unveiled an additional £300 million in employment support for disabled and sick people starting in 2026, with the amount set to increase each year. A consultation into the future of PIP, she said, will be “co-produced” with disabled people and published in autumn 2026.

However, these concessions come at a significant cost. The reversal will shave just over £2 billion off the expected savings, reducing the estimated £4.8 billion cutback to £2.5 billion by 2030. Despite that, new modelling by Kendall’s own department revealed the revised plan would still push 150,000 more people into poverty by the end of the decade.

Many Labour MPs say the changes don’t go far enough. Disabilities Minister Stephen Timms admitted he couldn’t guarantee the bill would pass, saying only that he “certainly hoped” it would. His cautious tone echoed the deep uncertainty within party ranks.

Outrage has also swelled beyond Westminster. Eighty-six charities—including Oxfam, Mind, Shelter, and the Child Poverty Action Group—have united to oppose the reforms, calling them a “political choice” that would harm disabled people. They condemned the government for bypassing meaningful consultation and failing to assess the impact on health and employment.

When asked to name a single disability group that supports the reforms, Kendall declined.

Inside the Commons, tensions are boiling. MP Richard Burgon presented a petition signed by over 77,000 people demanding the reforms be scrapped. Rachael Maskell said she could not “countenance sick and disabled people being denied support,” calling the decision “a matter of conscience.” Ian Byrne pledged to vote against the “cruel cuts,” saying the new version of the bill remains deeply unjust.

MP Nadia Whittome accused the government of “ignoring” disabled people and urged ministers to return to the drawing board. Connor Naismith said the concessions improved the bill, but ultimately still “don’t go far enough.”

A common point of contention among rebels is the timing of the vote. Many questioned why the reforms were being pushed through before the PIP review is published next year. Critics argue the process is backward—implementing major changes before fully understanding their consequences.

Kendall attempted to reassure MPs, claiming the bill represents a “fair package” that protects existing claimants. But her words have not eased concerns for many on Labour’s backbenches.

As the vote looms this evening, Starmer’s authority faces one of its toughest tests yet. The rebellion may not topple the bill entirely, but it’s a stark warning that dissatisfaction within Labour is growing louder—and that disabled people remain at the heart of a moral and political battle that shows no sign of ending.

THE GUARDIAN

 1. Meg Hillier (MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch)

Chair of the Treasury Select Committee and first signatory of the wrecking amendment. Though she helped negotiate the compromise, her Commons questions on Monday showed continued scepticism over the detail of reforms.

🛑 2. Debbie Abrahams (MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth)

Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee. More hardline than Hillier, Abrahams insists the review—not ministers—should set new PIP criteria. She remains deeply uneasy about pre-set points thresholds.

📊 3. Louise Haigh (MP for Sheffield Heeley)

De facto whip of the rebels, coordinating support for the amendment. Though considered mollified by concessions, her allies remain critical of Starmer’s handling.

♿ 4. Marie Tidball (MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge)

One of Parliament’s few visibly disabled MPs. Though initially silent, she voiced opposition in the Guardian and in Monday’s debate. Her vote remains undecided—and pivotal.

5. Rachael Maskell (MP for York Central)

A consistent left-wing critic of Starmer’s social policy, expected to vote against the bill. Her decision could sway other rebels on the left.

🗣️ 6. Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester)

While not an MP, Burnham’s high-profile criticism of Starmer’s “50% U-turn” emboldened rebels. Joined by Sadiq Khan, his influence extends across Labour’s soft-left base.

BBC

MPs will vote today on the Labour government’s welfare reform bill, with dozens of Labour MPs still expected to rebel despite last-minute concessions. Originally, over 120 MPs backed an amendment to kill the bill, but a revised version has now drawn about 35 signatories, suggesting softened but persistent dissent. Reforms target future recipients of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit, sparing current claimants. Critics fear this creates a two-tier system and warn reforms may push up to 150,000 people into poverty. Labour MP Olivia Blake called the plans punitive, while the Conservatives, led by Kemi Badenoch, oppose the bill entirely, claiming it fails to control spiralling welfare costs. The reforms were initially meant to save £5bn annually, though concessions have reduced projected savings to around £2bn. With party whips scrambling to shore up support, Labour faces a critical vote that could damage Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s authority and deepen divisions within the party.