Sir Keir Starmer has said a vote on welfare reforms will go ahead next week despite an unprecedented number of Labour MPs expected to rebel.
Taking questions from journalists following a speech at the NATO summit, the prime minister was asked by Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby how he can govern the country if he can’t govern his party.
Politics Live: PM insists he can ‘read the room’ despite growing rebellion
He replied: “On the question of welfare reform, we’re committed to reforming our welfare system. It doesn’t work. It traps people. And it has to be reformed.
“And it also has to ensure we’ve got a welfare system that is fit for the future. That is why, there will be a vote and we will press ahead with the reforms.”
Responding to other questions, he went on to insist that there is a “pretty united front” among Labour MPs that the UK’s welfare system needs reform.
“You won’t find many Labour MPs who are not accepting that we need reform, we are absolutely on the page with them,” he said.
He also said he is “very confident” he will lead the Labour Party into the next election, saying “it is really important that I lead from the front and take the long-term decisions about the future of our country”.
Over 100 Labour MPs have put their names to a “reasoned amendment” that could stop the government’s welfare bill in its tracks.
The plans restrict eligibility for personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit.
Ministers say the plan will help get people into work, but many MPs are worried it will push disabled people into poverty.
Existing claimants will be given a 13-week phase-out period of financial support, a move seen as a bid to head off opposition.
However the rebels argue disabled people have not been properly consulted about the plan and say further analysis is required before making any changes.
