Leading rebels say they have been promised significant changes to planned cuts which could help bill avoid defeat
By Pippa Crerar , Kiran Stacey and Jessica Elgot
Extracts
Keir Starmer has offered Labour MPs “massive concessions” on his controversial welfare bill in a move that has won over key rebels and is likely to have saved the prime minister from a damaging Commons defeat next week.
Leading MPs said they had been promised significant changes, which will cost the government several billion pounds over the next few years but would shore up the prime minister’s precarious authority.
The compromises on the planned cuts, which are understood to include applying the changes only to new claimants and further consultation on the most controversial cuts to disability benefits, were offered during a tense day of talks with Downing Street.
MEA Comment
Government climbdown protects some, abandons others
While the decision to exempt current PIP recipients and uprate existing Universal Credit health awards represents a partial victory, it only safeguards those already in the system. It categorically leaves anyone who loses entitlement and must reapply — and all future disabled claimants — exposed to the tougher tests and benefit restrictions. That effectively installs a two-tier system, where a privileged “legacy” cohort is protected while newcomers face harsher rules The government’s last-minute concession only protects existing claimants. It offers nothing to disabled people who lose their benefits and have to reapply — or to anyone who becomes unwell in future. That’s not reform — it’s rationing.
We’re deeply concerned that future disabled claimants are being written off. No one should have to get lucky with their timing to get the support they need. It is more essential than ever that you ask your local MP to #ListentoME and contact them urgently to highlight your opposition to the welfare reforms. These concessions do not go far enough.
You can use our template letter to write to your MP
Ella Smith
Welfare Rights Consultant,
The ME Association
Media Coverage
- Sky News: Government makes concessions to Labour rebels over welfare reforms | June 27, 2025
- LBC: Starmer gives in to Labour rebels on welfare reforms in benefits climbdown | June 27, 2025
- Financial Times: How Starmer averted ‘civil war’ with Labour MPs after diluting welfare cuts | June 27, 2025
- The Guardian: Opinion: The Labour welfare rebels are right. This hounding of disabled people will damage the party for years to come | June 27, 2025