Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jump to content
Independent

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Swipe for next article

Independent Bulletin homepage

Download our
Social Partner

We are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)We are 8 logoWe are 8 logo
  1. All
  2. News
  3. Sport
  4. Culture
  5. Lifestyle

Starmer caves to Labour rebellion with concessions on welfare reforms

Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted his welfare reforms to be in line with Labour values of ‘fairness’ (Ben Stansall/PA)
Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted his welfare reforms to be in line with Labour values of ‘fairness’ (Ben Stansall/PA) (PA Wire)
  • Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government has made a significant £1.5bn U-turn on planned welfare reforms, following a Rebellion from backbench MPs.
  • The concessions ensure that existing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants and current Universal Credit recipients will have their incomes protected.
  • New eligibility requirements for PIP will only apply to new claims from November 2026, aiming to alleviate uncertainty for current beneficiaries.
  • The U-turn creates a £1.5bn shortfall in Labour's spending plans, which economists warn will need to be covered by tax increases or cuts elsewhere.
  • Reactions to the U-turn are mixed, with some charities welcoming the protections for vulnerable people, while others, including the MS Society and the Tories, criticized the move.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in