Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to make further concessions to Labour rebels in a last-ditch effort to secure support for his controversial welfare reforms ahead of a crunch Commons vote on Tuesday.
On Monday, the government will publish the terms of reference for its planned review into disability benefits, a move ministers hope will reassure sceptical MPs and shore up support for the Bill. The review, to be led by Welfare Minister Stephen Timms, will include representation from disability rights groups, and is being pitched as a key opportunity for those affected to shape future policy on Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
The Prime Minister was forced to scale back plans for sweeping welfare cuts last week, pledging that existing PIP claimants would not lose their benefits. But despite this retreat, a significant number of Labour backbenchers remain unconvinced and are threatening to vote against the legislation.
Speaking on Sunday, Health Secretary Wes Streeting signalled further movement was possible, noting that ministers would listen to disability campaigners during the review process. Asked on the BBC whether the involvement of rights groups could lead to more concessions, he replied: “There is a review on PIP, and we’ve got to listen.”
While some high-profile rebels, including former transport secretary Louise Haigh, have since agreed to back the proposals, party insiders say the leadership remains concerned about the risk of defeat. “They are worried they still might lose the vote because many Labour MPs remain unconvinced,” a source said to the media
A government source confirmed that more detail will be shared on Monday: “We are publishing the terms of reference tomorrow. We understand MPs still have some concerns. They want clarification and reassurance, and we think we’ll be able to provide that.”
However, the fallout from the proposals has already weakened Starmer’s authority. Senior Labour MPs have voiced frustration over what they describe as a lack of consultation and poor communication from Downing Street. Some suggest the episode has damaged the Prime Minister’s credibility just weeks into office.
Graham Stringer MP said: “The proposals are not welfare reform. They are cuts on disabled people who need money. I think any PM who can’t get a Bill through the Commons as he originally intended has their authority diminished.”
Resigned frontbencher Vicky Foxcroft echoed that sentiment that Labour whips had long warned No 10 that the welfare cuts were unpopular among MPs. “The Prime Minister needs to be in listening mode more,” she said, noting that the climbdown may still not be enough to win her support.
Ms. Haigh also criticised the handling of the policy rollout, describing it as rushed and short-sighted, but acknowledged that recent steps pointed to a willingness to change course. “Now that mistakes have been acknowledged,” she said, “we’re hopeful this is a real opportunity to reset and learn serious lessons.”
Despite rumours of discontent within the party and speculation about future leadership ambitions, Mr Streeting dismissed suggestions he was on manoeuvres, branding them mischief-making. He insisted: “We have got in Keir Starmer a Prime Minister who is delivering real change.”
Still, many MPs remain uneasy. One senior labour figure warned: “A Prime Minister can’t announce a series of policy reversals in a matter of weeks without losing political capital. That’s where we now are.”
