Andy Burnham has called on Labour MPs to oppose the government’s welfare reforms, as Sir Keir Starmer attempts to contain a growing rebellion among backbenchers. The Mayor of Greater Manchester criticised the proposed changes, warning they would create “unfairness and divide” among disabled individuals. He also dismissed the government’s recent policy revision as merely a “half U-turn”, suggesting it did not go far enough to protect future claimants.
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Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed a series of concessions on Monday in a bid to quell unrest, including protections for existing claimants of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit. However, the revised policy would still reduce support for new applicants. Speaking at an event during Glastonbury Festival, Mr Burnham urged MPs to reject the legislation outright. He questioned how MPs could justify voting for a package that might leave future claimants up to £6,000 worse off than others in similar circumstances.
Mr Burnham’s remarks were echoed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who warned the legislation could push vulnerable people further into poverty. He described the revised Bill as insufficient, stating: “I’ve met too many Londoners who work hard and need state support through no fault of their own. They are genuinely fearful of what these changes could mean.” Concerns were further heightened by modelling from the Department for Work and Pensions, which projected that 150,000 more people could fall into poverty by 2030 if the reforms proceed.
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The controversy places additional pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who must now address the estimated £2.5 billion cost of the government’s partial U-turn. Meanwhile, a “reasoned amendment” to the Bill, led by senior Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, has gained the backing of 126 Labour MPs—enough to overturn Sir Keir’s working majority. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also announced that the Conservative Party would vote against the Bill, calling it “not serious welfare reform”. As the Commons prepares for Tuesday’s vote, the future of the proposed legislation remains uncertain.
