Rebellion grows as Labour welfare bill faces critical vote

The Herald Scotland

6 hours ago

Sir Keir Starmer is currently in talks with Labour rebels in a bid to salvage the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill.
More than 120 Labour MPs — including a third of the party's Scottish group — have added their names to a 'reasoned amendment' which would effectively derail the changes.
READ MORE
The bill aims to restrict eligibility for PIP in England and limit sickness-related payments under Universal Credit, as part of a package aimed at saving up to £5 billion a year.
It would also increase the basic rate of Universal Credit, in what the Government claims is the most significant uplift in out-of-work support since the 1980s.
But campaigners warn that 3.2 million disabled people could lose out, with up to 400,000 pushed into poverty.
A coalition of ten major disability charities has condemned the plans, while polling shows widespread public concern.
PIP has been mostly devolved to the Scottish Government, which began replacing it with Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in 2022.
The SNP has ruled out replicating the changes. However, any reduction in PIP spending will have an impact on the block grant to the Scottish Government.
Speaking to journalists in Holyrood, Mr Sarwar said the party was not split: 'Everyone agrees we need reform. We all agree we have to get our welfare system on a more sustainable footing.
'We agree we have to prioritise work and help people get back into work. We agree those who can't work should get the support they need. And we agree that any change must be a fair one.
'But those conversations and discussions are obviously continuing between Labour, MPs and ministers, all of whom are doing the right thing, doing their job.'
Pressed on whether he supported those Scottish Labour MPs who oppose the legislation, Mr Sarwar said: 'Well, those conversations are ongoing. What matters is that we accept the principle of reform — but we also make sure any changes are fair. That is what MPs and ministers are focused on.'
Asked whether the draft legislation needs to change, Mr Sarwar replied: 'Clearly, with the number of MPs who have signed the reasoned amendment, there will have to be further conversations — and those are ongoing.'
He added: 'Whatever reforms are made, welfare spending will increase over the course of this Parliament. The number of people receiving benefits will also go up. What matters is that we prioritise work, ensure people who need support get it, and that reforms are fair.'
Meanwhile, Sir Keir has told MPs he wanted the reforms, which will restrict access to sickness and incapacity benefits, to demonstrate 'Labour values of fairness'.
The Prime Minister told MPs there was 'consensus across the House on the urgent need for reform' of the 'broken' welfare system.
'I know colleagues across the House are eager to start fixing that, and so am I, and that all colleagues want to get this right, and so do I,' he said.
'We want to see reform implemented with Labour values of fairness.
'That conversation will continue in the coming days, so we can begin making change together on Tuesday.'
READ MORE
Meanwhile, The Times reported some MPs opposed to the plans had blamed Sir Keir's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and suggested the time had come for 'regime change' in Downing Street.
Asked if Sir Keir had confidence in his chief of staff, the No 10 spokesman would not comment on Downing Street staffing matters.
Asked whether he thought Sir Keir had the right advisers around him, Mr Sarwar replied: 'I work very closely with the Prime Minister and his team. It's the same team that delivered a landslide victory across the country and is now working hard in government.'
He added: 'I'm not interested in internal politics. I understand why political journalists are — but I'm focused on the implementation of policy and what it means for people.'