Starmer survives rebellion as welfare cuts pass key vote

Sir Keir Starmer's controversial welfare bill has passed its first hurdle in the Commons despite a sizeable rebellion from his MPs.

The prime minister's watered-down bill was backed by a majority of 75 on Tuesday evening.

A total of 49 Labour MPs voted against the bill - the largest rebellion since 47 MPs voted against Tony Blair's Lone Parent benefit, according to Professor Phil Cowley from Queen Mary University.

Just 90 minutes before voting started on Tuesday evening disabilities minister Stephen Timms announced the last of a series of concessions made as dozens of Labour MPs spoke of their fears for disabled and sick people if the bill was made law.

He said changes in eligibility for the personal independence payment (PIP), the main disability payment, would not take place until a review he is carrying out into the benefit is published in autumn 2026.

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