27th Jun 2025 14:38
(Alliance News) - Keir Starmer has said his welfare reforms now strike "the right balance" after he U-turned in the face of a major backbench rebellion.
Speaking for the first time after Downing Street agreed a series of concessions on its welfare policy, the UK prime minister said the climbdown followed a "constructive discussion" with Labour rebels.
He told broadcasters on Friday: "The most important thing is that we can make the reform we need.
"We talked to colleagues, who've made powerful representations, as a result of which we've got a package which I think will work, we can get it right.
"For me, getting that package adjusted in that way is the right thing to do, it means it's the right balance, it's common sense that we can now get on with it."
Earlier, Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the party was in "a good place" on welfare reform, after offering concessions to rebels late on Thursday.
Some 126 Labour MPs had signed an amendment that would halt the Universal Credit & Personal Independence Payment Bill in its tracks when it faces its first Commons hurdle on Tuesday.
Leading rebels now believe the concessions on offer, which include protecting personal independence payments, Pip, for all existing claimants, will be enough to win over a majority.
However, the fallout threatens to cause lasting damage, as harder line rebels remain opposed to the legislation and some backbenchers have called for a reset of relations between Number 10 and the parliamentary party.
By Christopher McKeon and Nina Lloyd, PA Political Staff
Press Association: News
source: PA
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