11 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
'Labour rebels won't make us walk away from welfare reform'
That is despite 122 Labour MPs - including 11 from Scotland - backing a 'reasoned amendment' which aims to scrap the current proposals.
The i newspaper reported widespread speculation that No10 could scrap the Bill in its entirety before Wednesday.
Ms Rayner was stepping in for Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday while he attends a NATO summit.
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride referenced the Labour rebellion at PMQs.
He said: 'They say that the Bill is dangerously rushed and ill-thought through.
"So can the Rt Hon lady explain why she thinks that she is right and 122 of her own colleagues are wrong?'
Read more:
In full: every Scottish Labour MP who has joined welfare rebellion
Starmer in trouble? This is why Labour will be worried by welfare rebellion
Rebel amendment to scrap UK welfare cuts backed by Scottish Labour MPs
Ms Rayner said: "I'll tell the Rt Hon Member why we're pressing ahead with our reforms and that is because we're investing a billion pounds into tailored employment support to try to help more people back into work and end reassessments for the most severely disabled who will never be able to work.
'Mr Speaker, we won't walk away and abandon millions of people trapped in the system, left behind by him [Stride] and his colleagues.'
Ms Rayner then said: "I don't need a script. We will go ahead on Tuesday."
Mr Stride said the Conservatives were willing to help Labour pass the reforms - but only if they were strengthened to get more people off benefits.
The second reading is due to be heard on Tuesday, July 1.
Proposed changes would limit the eligibility threshold for PIP, cutting disability payments for millions across the UK, including in Scotland.
It also includes a cut to the sickness-related element of Universal Credit and delays access to those aged 22 and over.
If Speaker Lindsay Hoyle selects the amendment, it will be voted on next week once the proposals return to the Commons, on July 1.
The reasoned amendment recognises the need for welfare reform, but cites concern with the UK Government's own evidence which suggests 250,000 people - including 50,000 children - would be pushed into poverty by the changes.
The Prime Minister has a working majority of 165 - but this hefty rebellion is bad news for his government.
A rebellion from just 82 Labour MPs is enough to sink the reforms, if opponents also back the amendment.
There is speculation a three-line whip could be applied to the legislation, meaning rebel MPs who vote against the reforms could be suspended for a period of time.
