Concessions on welfare are being discussed with rebel MPs ahead of a crunch vote next week, Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed.
The prime minister opened a statement about the NATO summit he has just returned from with a nod to the troubles he is facing at home.
Politics Live: PM offers olive branch to Labour rebels ahead of pivotal vote
Speaking in the Commons he said all colleagues want to get welfare reform right and “so do I”.
He added: “We want to see reform implemented with Labour values of fairness. That conversation will continue in the coming days.”
Sir Keir faces a difficult task as several MPs have told Sky News they are “sticking to their guns” after frantic calls from cabinet ministers on Wednesday failed to bring them on side.
One MP from the 2024 intake said: “Many are sticking to their guns. It’s now become more than welfare. They were too heavy with their calls this week and pressure on back benches.”
Another MP accused Number 10 and the prime minister of showing “utter contempt” towards the rebels’ concerns and said this “is only annoying people more”.
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill aims to shave £5bn off the welfare budget by 2030.
This includes restricting eligibility for the personal independence payment (pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit.
The government’s own figures show 250,000 people could be pushed into poverty, including 50,000 children, because of the changes.
Ministers say this will be offset by plans to get more people into work, but while lots of MPs agree with…
