Welfare bill passes after Keir Starmer offers late concession

Labour's controversial welfare bill has successfully passed its first hurdle in the House of Commons, but this victory comes at a significant cost to party leadership. The bill, which encompasses changes to universal credit and personal independence payments, was approved with a vote of 335 to 260, indicating a margin of 75 votes. This outcome was made possible only after the government made a series of concessions aimed at appeasing dissenting backbench MPs. Despite these efforts, the late adjustments have undermined the authority of Keir Starmer, the party leader, and left Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, in a position of embarrassment within her role. The situation illustrates the internal turmoil within the Labour Party as they navigate the complex landscape of welfare reform amidst significant opposition from within their ranks.

In a pivotal moment during the debate, Stephen Timms, the social security and disability minister, announced the removal of a key clause from the bill, which was intended to initiate immediate changes to the personal independence payment (PIP). This clause was recognized as one of the most contentious aspects of the proposed changes, where the government aimed to implement substantial savings. Timms clarified that any modifications to PIP would be postponed until a comprehensive review of the system is conducted, which he will oversee. This review is expected to report by autumn 2026 and will involve collaboration with disabled individuals, raising concerns that the anticipated changes may never materialize. The developments surrounding the welfare bill reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the Labour Party as they balance policy reform with the need to maintain unity and authority within their ranks.