Rising Rebellion: Labour MPs Push Back Against Government's Welfare Cuts

A significant uprising is brewing within the Labour Party as more than 130 MPs, including 122 Labour MPs, throw their support behind an amendment aimed at blocking the government’s proposed cuts to disability and sickness-related benefits. This action comes despite cabinet ministers engaging in persuasive phone calls to backbench MPs to withdraw their signatures. The amendment focuses on rejecting plans that aim to save £5 billion a year by 2030 through welfare reform.

Amongst those advocating for the amendment are both recent and long-serving members of the party, including some who have been suspended. Helen Hayes, a Labour MP, emphasized that the amendment is not a confidence vote, but rather a plea for the government to listen to their concerns to avert conflict. She noted that the MPs signing the amendment do not wish to engage in a vote against the government.

The amendment has garnered attention due to the unease surrounding the government’s proposals, with ministers like Rachel Reeves and Wes Streeting reportedly alarmed by the dissatisfaction reflected in the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP). The atmosphere is described as sour, indicating a potential for broader discontent within Labour leadership if the government fails to heed the voices of its MPs.

Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, urged the government to take heed of the PLP’s majority opinion, warning that the collective wisdom of a united front of MPs could lead to healthier governmental policies. As Parliament prepares for a decisive vote on the reforms, Labour MP Jake Richardson has defended the need for changes, calling the current welfare system unsustainable but acknowledging the difficult decisions needed for reform.

The voting on the amendment and the welfare reform bill, known as Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, has consequences for disabled individuals seeking support. Although the need for tightening the eligibility criteria is being discussed, public sentiment seems to favor an increase in disability benefit spending, with recent surveys indicating that almost 45% of those polled want more spending in this area.

The Speaker of the House of Commons will ultimately decide if the amendment will proceed to a vote. With MPs from various parties joining the revolt against cuts, the situation poses a significant challenge to Labour’s leadership, as Sir Keir Starmer has stated his commitment to continue with the reforms, insisting that the welfare system is currently creating dependency and is financially unsustainable for taxpayers.