Starmer says ‘fairness’ will anchor welfare cuts in bid to cool Labour rebellion

• Keir Starmer is in talks with Labour rebels to gain support for the government’s welfare reform package, the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, ahead of its Commons vote.
• The proposed legislation aims to restrict access to sickness and incapacity benefits, with the government arguing it wants to get more people into work and save billions of pounds annually.
• Over 126 Labour MPs, alongside other parties, publicly oppose the bill, arguing it will cause significant harm to disabled people and that no concessions can make it acceptable.
• Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) projects that the reforms will lead to 800,000 fewer working-age people receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by 2029–30, with most losing £3,850 annually.
• Public polling indicates low support for the reforms, with only 27 per cent in favour.

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Starmer seeks to win round welfare rebels with promise of ‘fairness’