Angela Rayner has been forced to defend the government’s welfare reforms in the Commons, as a growing number of Labour MPs threaten to rebel against the measures.
The deputy prime minister is being grilled at PMQs as she steps in for Sir Keir Starmer, who is meeting with Nato allies at the Hague.
When asked by Tory shadow chancellor Mel Stride why she thinks “she is right and 122 of her own colleagues are wrong”, she said: “We won’t walk away and stand by and abandon millions of people trapped in the failing system left behind by him and his colleagues.”
The questions come after the PM vowed to press on with his controversial reforms, despite 134 MPs now backing an amendment that would effectively threaten the proposed changes.
The total rebels from the prime minister’s own party is about 120.
Under the proposals in the bill - which is set to come before the Commons for a vote on July 1 - eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip) will be limited along with the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC).
Ministers have previously said the reforms could save up to £5 billion-a-year.
Key Points
- Angela Rayner steps in for Starmer at PMQs
- Welfare reform 'not a confidence vote' says Starmer
- More Labour MPs signal rebellion against Government over welfare reforms
- Labour rebel leader: ‘We do not want to defeat the government’
- Kemi Badenoch offers to rescue Starmer’s welfare reforms
Meanwhile...
13:15 , Athena StavrouAs Angela Rayner fights fires in the Commons, Sir Keir Starmer is in the Netherlands meeting with Nato allies.
Political correspondent Millie Cooke reports from the Nato summit in The Hague:
Britain is continuing its US charm offensive on the final day of the Nato summit, with Sir Keir Starmer being seen cosying up to Donald Trump as the main meeting began.
The prime minister, who arrived amid a backdrop of mounting global tensions and increasing US volatility, entered the meeting alongside German chancellor Friedrich Merz. He was seen speaking to Canadian prime minister Mark Carney and French president Emmanuel Macron before taking his seat next to Mr Donald Trump.
Sir Keir appeared to be in deep conversation with the US president while the other world leaders watched an introductory video.
Comment: Faced with a growing Labour rebellion against welfare cuts, Keir Starmer has one least-worst option left
13:01 , Athena StavrouThe prime minister has belatedly been making the case for benefit reform and changes to PIP payments to calm his mutinous backbenchers – but, a year on from his historic election win, it risks becoming an issue of confidence in his leadership, says Andrew Grice.
With a growing rebellion against welfare cuts, Starmer only has one option left
Rayner: ‘Farage’s mask has slipped again’
12:44 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Angela Rayner has kept up the tradition of Labour using PMQs to attack Nigel Farage.
In an obviously planted question, the deputy prime minister was asked about the Reform UK leader’s recent pledge to offer non-doms a “Britannia card” to avoid tax on overseas earnings.
It would cost the Treasury as much as £34bn in lost revenue, according to tax experts.Ms Rayner said that Mr Farage’s “mask had slipped” with the policy.
She said: “The member for Clacton demands billions of pounds of unfunded tax cuts for the richest while marching through the lobbies to vote against higher pay for the lowest earners.”
Corbyn asks final question on Gaza
12:43 , Athena StavrouPMQs has now finished, after the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn asked the final question.
He told the chamber how 86 people were killed in Gaza on Tuesday by Israeli forces, including 56 near aid distribution centres.
He asked the deputy prime minister Angela Rayner: “How is it that this country has got to this situation where we stand on the wrong side of international law when war crime and genocide are concerned.”
He asked if she would support his private member’s bill calling for an independent inquiry into UK's role in Gaza.
Rayner responded by calling Israel’s military action “appalling” and outlined sanctions the government has already imposed.
Analysis | ‘Benefits reform’ - the two words that Labour MPs do not want to mention
12:32 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
It is noticeable that Labour MPs are desperate to avoid the proverbial elephant in the room.
Seven questions down from Labour in PMQs are asking about anything but the welfare form bill even though 122 of them have signed up to a major rebellion.
It is noticeable that on the Tories and Lib Dems want to discuss the government’s discomfort on the benefits reform.
Maybe it is because Angela Rayner instead of Keir Starmer is taking the question but more likely none of them want to become a target for the party whips.
Watch: Angela Rayner insists welfare cuts vote will happen on Tuesday
12:26Rebel leader Debbie Abrahams misses her chance
12:19 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Debbie Abrahams chairs the work and pensions committee and is leading a massive rebellion over welfare reform.
But given the opportunity to ask a question on the issue she completely ducked it and instead asked Angela Rayner about the housing budget.
For someone in the midst of a major fight with her own government in a powerful position this was a big miss.
Rayner refuses to rule out tax rises
12:12 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Angela Rayner has refused to repeat a promise made by Rachel Reeves ruling out any further tax hikes this autumn.
The deputy prime minister was challenged by Mel Stride to “give businesses the certainty” previously offered by the chancellor and assure them she is “not coming back for more taxes”.
Responding to Mel Stride at PMQs, Ms Rayner simply said it is “a bit rich” for the Conservatives to demand reassurance on tax.
“Unbelievable, inflation above 11 per cent, the biggest tax rises by their party,” Ms Rayner said.
Mr Stride highlighted her refusal to repeat the promise not to raise taxes.
Angela Rayner defends welfare cuts - and insists vote will happen on Tuesday despite Labour rebellion
12:10The Independent’s Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:
The deputy pm has defended the government’s controversial welfare cuts, saying Labour “won’t abandon millions of people in a failing system”.
Keir Starmer is facing a massive rebellion over the planned £5bn of cuts.
Under questioning from the shadow chancellor Mel Stride she also insisted the crucial vote would go ahead on Tuesday – despite the prospect of a revolt by Labour MPs.
Stride: ‘Labour MPs wish Angela Rayner was a permanent fixture’
12:07 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Mel Stride opened PMQs with a dig at Angela Rayner stepping in for Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs for the second week in a row.
There are many backbenchers who wish she could take the prime minister’s position permanently, the shadow chancellor said.
It is true, faith in Sir Keir among Labour MPs and members is waning, and many would prefer a more radical approach led by Ms Rayner going forwards.
PMQs begin
12:02 , Athena StavrouThis week’s PMQs have kicked off in the Commons.
Angela Rayner has stepped in for Sir Keir Starmer, who is meeting with Nato allies in the Hague.
The session began with Rayner updating the house on efforts to deescalate tensions between Israel and Iran and said the situation in Gaza remains “of the gravest concerns”
She will face questions from he Tory shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who is stepping in for Kemi Badenoch.
Angela Rayner to face PMQs shortly
11:56 , Athena StavrouAngela Rayner is set to step in for Sir Keir Starmer to take questions in the Commons shortly.
For the second week in a row, the deputy prime minister will face PMQs in the prime minister’s absence.
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride will stand in for Kemi Badenoch
Issues likely to come up are questions around Labour’s planned welfare reforms and Starmer’s new commitment to spend 5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2035.
Welfare reforms branded 'cuts bill' by Tory MP
11:49 , Athena StavrouConservative MP Danny Kruger described the proposed legislation as a “cuts bill”.
The Work and Pensions Committee member said it is “not really a reform bill, it’s just a cuts bill”.
He added: “It’s not even going to achieve significant welfare savings.”
Mr Kruger cited research he said had suggested the benefit cuts will “fall disproportionately on older people and those with physical health conditions, rather than on younger people with mental health conditions who will continue to be parked on benefits”.
He asked Sir Stephen Timms, minister for social security and disability: “Do you accept that that is the likely effect of the reforms, that it would be older people who would be more likely to lose their Pip?”
Sir Stephen said he did not accept this and had “not seen an assessment along those lines”.
Millions of disabled people to be affected by Labour welfare cut, warns charities
11:34 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Tom Watling reports:
At least 3.2 million disabled people are in line to have their welfare support reduced if Labour’s bill to cut benefits goes ahead, ten major charities have warned.
In a joint briefing, charities including Mind and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation condemned the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill as Sir Keir Starmer insisted it will go ahead despite widespread opposition from within his party.
London mayor Sadiq Khan is among 123 Labour members leading opposition to the bill, saying it will destroy the financial safety net for millions of people.
The ten charities have also warned that the bill will “push between 300,000 and 400,000 people into poverty” as well as drive an additional 440,000 disabled households into “severe hardship”.
They define this as a form of deep poverty that means people have to rely on food banks.
Minister 'delighted' to have Tory support for welfare bill
11:25 , Athena StavrouThe social security and disability minister said he would be “delighted” to have cross-party support for Labour’s welfare reform proposals - when asked about the need for Conservative backing to get the Bill through.
Tory MP Danny Kruger put it to Sir Stephen Timms: “At the moment, you don’t have a majority to get it through the House of Commons unless the Conservatives support the Bill.
“Would you like us to and will you press ahead if you can only do it with Conservative support?”
Sir Stephen, appearing before the Work and Pensions Committee, replied: “I’d be delighted to have support from across the entire House for the excellent proposals that we’re bringing forward, and I’m looking forward to the debate on Tuesday.”
Angela Rayner to step in for Starmer at PMQs
11:06 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer is in the Hague meeting with Nato allies this week, meaning he is unable to face his weekly PMQs.
His deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, will step in and answer questions on his behalf at the usual time of 12pm.
Search: Is your MP one of the Labour welfare bill rebels?
10:54 , Athena StavrouPictured: Trump and Starmer speak at Nato summit
10:42 , Athena StavrouWhile rebellion grows at home, Starmer is currently meeting with Nato allies in the Hague.
He was pictured speaking with Donald Trump on Wednesday morning.
Sir Stephen Timms said there is an “urgency” in the need for reform to the welfare system.
Committee chairwoman Debbie Abrahams, who is one of the Labour MPs to have signed an amendment to block the legislation, asked why the provisions within the Bill had not been consulted on.
The minster for social security and disability told the committee: “Essentially because of the urgency of the changes needing to be made. So if we look at personal independence payment (Pip) – the year before the pandemic, in current prices, Pip cost the then government £12 billion. Last year it cost the government £22 billion and the cost of it went up by £3 billion per year – or £2.8 billion per year – last year alone.
“And that is not a sustainable trajectory. So there was a need for urgency with the changes.”
Welfare minister 'looking forward' to debate
10:26 , Athena StavrouSir Stephen Timms said he is “looking forward” to Tuesday’s debate on the Government’s controversial Bill on welfare reform.
The minster for social security and disability echoed the tone of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has insisted a vote will go ahead next week, despite a raft of Labour MPs launching an amendment to stop Bill.
Conservative MP and Work and Pensions Committee member Peter Bedford asked Sir Stephen about the Bill during a session on Wednesday.
Mr Bedford said: “Minister, if I can just touch on the elephant in the room, you’ve got your second reading of the welfare Bill due to come before Parliament on Tuesday. Is it still your intention to bring that Bill forward for second reading on Tuesday?”
Sir Stephen replied: “It is. I’m looking forward to the debate.”
Cuts to PIP will 'build up over some time'
10:16 , Athena StavrouThe social security minister is currently facing questions from a committee of MPs about the Government’s reforms.
Sir Stephen Timms told the Work and Pensions Committee that the vote was still set to go ahead on Tuesday as he sought to explain and defend the reforms to welfare.
When asked if cuts are to begin next April, he explained this wasn’t the case.
"I don't think anyone will see a cut next April, I think new claimants from April will have a lower rate of Universal Credit," he said.
"But no one will experience a cut next April."
He added they will begin in November 2026: "In November, the changes to personal independence payments will start, and there will be then some people from November onwards who have been receiving personal independence payments who won't receive it.”
"Our expectation is around 90 per cent of those who are claiming PIP will still have it by 2029/30.
"The change to the individual will only happen at their next award review after November 2026.
"This will build up over some time."
How will your MP vote on Labour’s welfare bill – and could Starmer’s government be defeated?
10:04 , Athena StavrouLabour’s controversial welfare cuts face a significant hurdle at a crunch Commons vote on Tuesday as more than 100 Labour MPs have joined the growing rebellion against the plans.
An amendment signed by the 123 rebels – a figure which grew by 15 on Wednesday morning – would essentially halt the reforms if passed, as it would prevent the government’s bill from progressing any further through Parliament.
See how your MP is likely to vote on Labour’s welfare bill:
How will your MP vote on Labour welfare bill – and could the government be defeated?
What is the welfare bill?
09:52 , Athena StavrouThe legislation plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment, the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit, with the aim of getting more people back into work and saving up to £5 billion a year.
Existing claimants will be given a 13-week phase-out period of financial support, a move seen as a bid to head off opposition.
But the fact so many Labour MPs are prepared to put their names to a “reasoned amendment”, a move which would stop the Bill in its tracks, shows how entrenched the opposition is.
Minister set to face questions on welfare reforms
09:44 , Athena StavrouThe social security minister is set to take questions from a committee of MPs on Wednesday on the Government’s reforms.
Sir Stephen Timms will take questions from the Work and Pensions Committee shortly, which is chaired by one of the Labour rebels, Debbie Abrahams.
Where is Starmer today?
09:36While rebellion grows at home, Sir Keir Starmer is currently in the Netherlands.
Sir Keir is gathered with leaders of other Nato nations – including Donald Trump – in the Hague, where they are expected to formally agree a 5 per cent of GDP defence and security spending pledge.
It is a significant jump from the current 2 per cent Nato target, and details of what counts towards it are due to be set out during this week’s summit, but it is likely to include spending on energy and border security as well as intelligence agencies.
Starmer loyalist: ‘I urge colleagues to step back’
09:25 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
An MP loyal to Sir Keir Starmer has called for rebellious colleagues to step back and look at the ballooning welfare bill before rejecting the government’s plans to cut personal independence payments.
“One thousand people a day are applying for PIP, the size of Leicester each year, even with the reforms proposed by the end of the parliament 800,000 people will be on PIP who are not on PIP today,” Jake Richards told the BBC.
“That is simply unsustainable,” he added.
He said: “What colleagues in my mind have to recognise is that they cannot like all the spending money, nice easy parts of the welfare reforms, without the difficult decisions that come with that.”
Starmer confirms vote will go ahead
09:15 , Athena StavrouIn the last few minutes, Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that Tuesday’s vote on his welfare Bill will go ahead, despite significant backbench opposition.
The Prime Minister told LBC: “There’ll be a vote on Tuesday, we’re going to make sure we reform the welfare system.”
Arguing his party was elected “to change that which is broken”, he said the welfare system “doesn’t work for anyone”.
He added: “It traps people in a position where they can’t get into work. In fact, it’s counterproductive, it works against them getting into work.
“So we have to reform it, and that is a Labour argument, it’s a progressive argument.”
Kemi Badenoch offers to rescue Starmer’s welfare reforms as Labour rebellion grows
09:07 , Athena StavrouKemi Badenoch has offered to rescue Sir Keir Starmer from his own Labour backbenchers after a massive rebellion threatened to bring down his welfare reforms.
In an offer to Sir Keir, she said: “The government is in a mess, their MPs are in open rebellion. If Keir Starmer wants our support, he needs to meet three conditions that align with our core Conservative principles.”
Read the full story:
Kemi Badenoch offers to rescue Starmer’s welfare reforms as Labour rebellion grows
Labour rebel leader: ‘We do not want to defeat the government’
09:02 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
A Labour rebel leader has said those opposing Sir Keir Starmer’s welfare cuts do not want to bring down the government.
Helen Hayes said many of those backing an amendment that would kill the welfare bill “are not natural rebels… they do not want to defeat the government”.
The education select committee chair told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme said there are “serious issues at the heart of the bill that have not been answered and need a response… we are asking the government to pause, think again and review what they are proposing.”
Government 'must urgently think again' on welfare reforms: Sir Sadiq Khan
08:51 , Athena StavrouSir Sadiq Khan has said that the Government “must urgently think again” on welfare reforms.
The Mayor of London said that he has “always said that more must be done to support people to go from relying on benefits to getting back into work”.
He added: “What we can’t do is take away the vital safety net that so many vulnerable and disabled Londoners rely upon.
“Having looked at the analysis of the Government’s plans, the impact on London will be substantial, and for too many disabled Londoners it will destroy their financial safety net.
“The Government must urgently think again. It must look again at the potential hardship these changes will force on thousands of vulnerable and disabled Londoners.
“The additional employment and training support ministers have promised must be brought in as soon as possible, and proper transitional protections must be in place before anyone starts to lose their benefits.”
UK defence secretary tetchy over leaked intelligence report
08:50 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Britain’s defence secretary hit back at an interviewer for asking about the leaked intelligence report casting doubt on Donald Trump’s anti-nuclear strikes in Iran.
John Healey took on a tetchy tone when asked by the BBC about the report and said it is “for the US to disclose their assessment of the battle damage from their strike”.
Pressed for the UK’s position on the leak, he said: “I am not going to comment… would you really expect me to comment on a leaked intelligence report?”
Pressed again, he said: “Would you expect me to be starting on our own intelligence assessments like that?”
And, highlighting his presence at the Nato summit in The Hague, Mr Healey told the BBC’s Emma Barnett: “I really don't think you'll find the leaders here discussing the sort of questions that you're discussing for your listeners here this morning.”
Welfare reform 'not a confidence vote' says Starmer
08:49 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has said the vote on welfare reforms is “not a confidence vote” on his leadership as he faces a showdown with Labour rebels.
He told Sky News: “It’s not a confidence vote. It’s a vote about reforming our welfare system.
“It isn’t working. It doesn’t help people into work. Quite the contrary, it actually makes it harder for people to go into work. I think most colleagues do accept the case for reform, we’ve got to get on and make that reform.”
Asked if he would offer concessions to placate MPs unhappy with the reforms, he said: “We’re pressing on with a vote on this because we need to bring about reform.
“We were elected into government to change that which is broken. Our welfare system is broken. The progressive thing to do is to fix it so it works for working people.”
Healey: ‘Welfare system is failing millions’
08:44 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
John Healey has said the welfare system needs reform as it is currently failing millions.
“This deep-seated, failing system traps millions of people and tells them the only way they can get social security payments is clear, they will never work again,” the defence secretary said.
As the rebellion over Sir Keir Starmer’s benefit cuts grows, Mr Healey told the BBC: “We cannot be in a situation where more than 1,000 people every day are awarded personal independence payments, which has doubled since the pandemic.”
More Labour MPs signal rebellion against Government over welfare reforms
08:42 , Athena StavrouMore Labour MPs have signalled they are willing to rebel over the Government’s welfare cuts after Sir Keir Starmer declared he would “press on” with next week’s vote.
Overall, 134 MPs are now backing an amendment that would effectively threaten the Government’s proposed changes, an Order Paper published by Parliament late on Wednesday indicated.
Among the new signatories on Tuesday night from Sir Keir’s party were Leeds Central and Headingley MP Alex Sobel, as well as Danny Beales who represents Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean and Bradford West MP Naz Shah are also among the new Labour signatories, taking the total rebels from Sir Keir’s party to about 120.
