Labour is facing its most significant internal rebellion since taking office as jittery Labour MPs divided over benefits cuts prepare for a critical vote next month. At the heart of the controversy are welfare reforms that would cut £5bn annually from disability benefits by 2030.
The reforms aim to restrict access to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those with less severe conditions. But many MPs argue the cuts would hurt the most vulnerable, push thousands into poverty, and betray Labour’s founding principles.
Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, backed by over 40 Labour colleagues, warned that for jittery MPs divided over the proposed benefits cuts, the changes are “impossible to support” without a shift in direction. “No Labour MP comes into Parliament to make poor people poorer,” he said. He urged the government to pause the reforms and focus on genuine support for disabled people.
An impact assessment revealed that the proposals could push 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—into relative poverty. Ministers argue the figures ignore £1bn in planned investment to help disabled people into work. But critics say the risk of losing payments deters many from trying employment.
Jittery Labour MPs divided over benefits cuts include both newly elected and veteran MPs. While some, like Duncan-Jordan, are strongly opposed, others like Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger support the reforms. Ballinger emphasized that giving disabled people the chance to work without losing benefits is a “Labour value.”
He said the reforms strike a necessary balance. “We can’t be spending £70bn annually on disability benefits while millions of young people are out of work or education,” Ballinger argued. He confirmed he would vote for the welfare bill.
Still, disability advocates are campaigning hard. Many MPs represent constituencies where the number of PIP recipients exceeds their election majorities. Activists are urging them to vote against the bill.
Labour’s large majority makes the bill’s passage likely. However, backbench pressure is mounting. Clive Lewis called the reforms “obscene.” Stella Creasy said it would be “remiss” to ignore the dissent among jittery Labour MPs over these divisive benefits cuts.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the cuts. She said the welfare state must evolve or risk collapse. “There is nothing Labour about accepting the cost of this crisis, paid for in people’s life chances,” she said in a speech this week.
The government has recently reversed course on winter fuel cuts after similar backlash. MPs now hope that growing public and internal pressure will force a second U-turn—this time on disability benefits.
As the vote approaches, jittery Labour MPs divided over benefits cuts must decide whether to follow party leadership or stand with constituents and campaigners. Their choices will reveal how they interpret Labour’s legacy—and its future.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
