Dozens of Labour MPs are still planning to vote against the government’s welfare plans later, despite concessions being made.In a U-turn last week, the government said stricter eligibility criteria for getting personal independence payment (Pip) would only apply to those claiming after November next year rather than existing claimants.Ministers have also promised a review into the assessment process in partnership with disability organisations, due to be completed by autumn 2026.This came after more than 120 Labour MPs had signed an amendment that would have killed legislation to deliver the plans.The Conservatives have said they will oppose the plans as they are not “serious reforms”.A different amendment to stop the legislation, supported by disability charities, has been signed by 39 Labour MPs. Many Labour backbenchers have questioned the rationale for making changes to the qualifying criteria before the review into the assessment process has been finished.In the Commons on Monday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the bill, but faced continued questions from Labour MPs over the rollout of the changes.Separately, Labour Chief Whip Sir Alan Campbell reportedly told a meeting of the parliamentary party on Monday night that they should “act as a team” and government efforts at persuasion are expected to continue up until the vote itself.The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, told the BBC her party would vote against the measures”The benefits bill is too high,” she said.”It was £40bn just before Covid. It is now projected to be a £100bn by 2030. And what Labour is doing is not making any savings at all. It’s just reducing the rate of increase. That’s why we are not supporting it.”Some MPs have said the reforms will not be as e …
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[mwai_chat context=”Let’s have a discussion about this article:nnDozens of Labour MPs are still planning to vote against the government’s welfare plans later, despite concessions being made.In a U-turn last week, the government said stricter eligibility criteria for getting personal independence payment (Pip) would only apply to those claiming after November next year rather than existing claimants.Ministers have also promised a review into the assessment process in partnership with disability organisations, due to be completed by autumn 2026.This came after more than 120 Labour MPs had signed an amendment that would have killed legislation to deliver the plans.The Conservatives have said they will oppose the plans as they are not “serious reforms”.A different amendment to stop the legislation, supported by disability charities, has been signed by 39 Labour MPs. Many Labour backbenchers have questioned the rationale for making changes to the qualifying criteria before the review into the assessment process has been finished.In the Commons on Monday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the bill, but faced continued questions from Labour MPs over the rollout of the changes.Separately, Labour Chief Whip Sir Alan Campbell reportedly told a meeting of the parliamentary party on Monday night that they should “act as a team” and government efforts at persuasion are expected to continue up until the vote itself.The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, told the BBC her party would vote against the measures”The benefits bill is too high,” she said.”It was £40bn just before Covid. It is now projected to be a £100bn by 2030. And what Labour is doing is not making any savings at all. It’s just reducing the rate of increase. That’s why we are not supporting it.”Some MPs have said the reforms will not be as e …nnDiscussion:nn” ai_name=”RocketNews AI: ” start_sentence=”Can I tell you more about this article?” text_input_placeholder=”Type ‘Yes'”]
