Politics LIVE: Keir Starmer torn apart for 'humiliating U-turn' after Labour rebellion
Sir Keir Starmer came under fire for a "humiliating U-turn" after announcing concessions to Labour rebels on controversial welfare reforms.
People who currently receive the personal independence payment (Pip) will continue to do so, while adjustments to universal credit would also see incomes protected.
The announcement comes after crisis talks with backbenchers, with 126 MPs signing an amendment that would torpedo the legislation in its second reading in the Commons next Tuesday.
Tory Shadow Work and Pension Secretary Helen Whately said: “This is another humiliating U-turn forced upon Keir Starmer. With the sickness benefits bill set to reach £100 billion by 2030 the country needs action. But Labour has lurched from a bad plan to a next-to-nothing plan.
“The latest ‘deal’ with Labour rebels sounds a lot like a two-tier benefits system, more likely to encourage anyone already on benefits to stay there rather than get into work.
“We made a serious offer to Keir Starmer in the national interest if he was willing to grip the challenge of getting the welfare bill down and more people into work - making savings to avoid putting up taxes. But instead, he's done yet another U-turn.”
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