Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his desire to push through controversial benefit cuts despite a mounting rebellion among his own MPs.
The prime minister said there was a “clear moral case” for his reforms, which include measures designed to slash £5bn a year from the welfare bill by 2030.
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While many Labour MPs initially indicated they backed the bill in principle, support has ebbed away over recent months amid warnings about the impact the cuts could have on the most vulnerable in society.
More than 100 Labour MPs have now signed a “reasoned amendment” to oppose the government’s proposals when they are put to a vote next Tuesday.
However, speaking to reporters on the plane to the NATO summit in The Hague, the prime minister reiterated the case for the so-called Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill, despite the building opposition from his own side.
“There is a clear moral case, which is the current system doesn’t help those who want to get into work,” he said. “It traps people.”
Welfare system ‘unsustainable’
Sir Keir said around 1,000 people a day were going on to PIP – equivalent to the size of the population of Leicester.
“That is not a system that can be left unreformed, not least because it’s unsustainable, and therefore you won’t have a welfare system for those that need it in the future,” he continued.
“So those that care about a future welfare system have to answer the question – ‘how do you reform what you’ve got to make sure it’s sustainable for the future?'”
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On Tuesday, Downing Street suggested the vote would still go ahead despite the public concerns of some MPs – including influential chairs of parliamentary select committees.
Asked whether the government was confident it could pass the legislation, a Number 10 spokesman told reporters: “We are focused on delivering last week’s bill and engaging, talking to colleagues, as to why this reform is so important.”
Pressed on whether the vote was happening next week, they added: “I would never get ahead of parliamentary business. It’s scheduled for next week. We are committed to reforming welfare.”
Introduced in March, the government’s welfare bill outlines proposals to make it harder for some disabled people to qualify for personal independence payment (PIP).
PIP is money for people who have extra care needs or mobility needs as a result of a disability.
People who claim it – some of whom are in work – are awarded points depending on their ability to do certain activities, such as washing and preparing food, and this influences how much they will receive.
Under the plans, from November 2026, people will need to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of PIP – instead of fewer points across a broader range of tasks the person needs help with.
Currently, the standard rate is given if people score between eight and 11 points overall, while the enhanced rate applies from 12 points.
The changes do not affect the mobility component of PIP.
The bill also contains changes to Universal Credit.
From April next year, the health element of Universal Credit will be frozen in cash terms for existing claimants at £97 per week until 2029/2030.
For new claimants from April 2026, the health element of Universal Credit will be reduced to £50 per week.
