US Edition
How the ‘Rebel Alliance’ Took on Starmer over Welfare
- On July 1, 2025, 49 Labour MPs rebelled in the Commons against the government's proposed £5 billion cuts to disability benefits, marking Starmer's largest revolt.
- The rebellion followed the government's March plans to tighten Personal Independence Payment eligibility, which Labour backbenchers had not been consulted on beforehand.
- Mid-Debate, Minister Stephen Timms withdrew Clause 5 containing key PIP cuts to avoid defeat, yet 49 MPs still opposed the bill despite concessions.
- Independent MP Ayoub Khan noted 9,000 constituents rely on PIP, with nearly 4,000, including 630 disabled workers, facing complete benefit loss under the proposals.
- The revolt forced Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon major welfare reforms and shelve PIP changes until a review completes in autumn 2026, weakening his authority.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The mistakes Keir Starmer made over disability cuts – and how he can avoid future embarrassment
Labour MPs have forced a major government climbdown over disability benefit cuts, in an embarrassing turn of events for Keir Starmer. The prime minister has blown a hole in his budget by agreeing to scrap plans to tighten eligibility criteria for disability benefits via the universal credit and personal independence payment bill. In return, MPs passed what was left of the bill – although 49 of them still rebelled, voting against the government. …
Has Keir Starmer been fatally damaged? The i Paper experts' verdict
Sir Keir Starmer was forced to abandon a key plank of his welfare reform agenda to get the legislation through its first Commons test.In a late climbdown as MPs prepared to vote, the Government shelved plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (PIP), with any changes now only coming after a review of the benefit. Despite the late concession, there were 49 Labour rebels, the largest revolt so far of Starmer’s premiership…
Rebel West Midlands Labour MP rejects 'cruel' disability benefits cuts despite 11th hour climbdown - Birmingham Live
Cat Eccles, representing Stourbridge, refused to vote for the Bill despite a Government climbdown but Northfield and Erdington Labour MPs among those to back it
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
