- Labour MPs are preparing for a significant rebellion against Sir Keir Starmer's proposed £5bn benefit cuts, which include changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) affecting up to 800,000 people.
- Party whips have warned backbenchers who vote against or abstain on the measures face severe consequences, including potential suspension or being blacklisted from future government roles.
- Despite threats, around 50 Labour MPs are expected to vote against the bill, with many more planning to abstain, viewing the proposed cuts as "unprecedented" and "authoritarian."
- Charities like Sense and Mind have strongly criticised the reforms, warning they will push disabled people further into poverty and hardship, calling the cuts "horrendous" and "harmful."
- Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the reforms, stating they are crucial for the social security system's sustainability and represent a "new social contract."
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