UK MPs Face Tight Vote on Labour Welfare Reforms Amid Party Rebellion

The Labour government in the UK is facing a significant rebellion from within its ranks over a welfare reform bill that proposes changes to personal independence payment (PIP) and the health-related element of universal credit, with many MPs warning the bill could push people further into poverty. Despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's efforts to soften the impact by protecting existing claimants and reducing planned savings, around 39 Labour MPs have signed an amendment to reject the legislation, with critics arguing the concessions create a disparity between existing and new claimants. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has urged MPs to support the bill, emphasizing that retreating entirely would forfeit the chance for any improvements and risk losing public support. However, Labour rebels remain concerned, with some warning they may still oppose the bill due to unmet promises, such as a review of the system. The vote is expected to be close and could mark the biggest rebellion of Starmer's leadership so far. Meanwhile, Tory MPs have confirmed they will vote against the bill.