Labour’s Divisive Welfare Bill Clears First Commons Hurdle Amid Further Concessions
Labour’s contentious welfare legislation has passed its initial Commons vote, but only after ministers made further concessions to dissatisfied MPs.
The universal credit and personal independence payment bill, which had already undergone revisions last week to address criticism from within the party, was approved in its second reading by 75 votes—335 to 260.
Despite the successful vote, the last-minute modification has weakened Keir Starmer’s authority and left Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, facing embarrassment.
As dissent persisted with less than an hour remaining in the Commons debate, Stephen Timms, the social security and disability minister, announced the removal of a full clause from the bill. This ensures no immediate changes to personal independence payment (Pip), the most disputed part of the reforms and where the government had planned significant cost reductions.
Timms stated that any potential adjustments to Pip would now follow a review of the system, set to conclude by autumn 2026. The process will involve collaboration with disabled individuals, leaving uncertainty over whether such changes will ultimately take place.
