Labour rebellion threatens benefits reform

A rebellion of over 100 Labour MPs is threatening to derail the Government’s Welfare Reform Bill.

(c) Enrique/Pixabay

(c) Enrique/Pixabay

The amendment states increasing the numbers of people pushed into poverty, a lack of public consultation and inadequate impact assessment on the jobs' market and people's health as reasons for opposing to the Bill.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Cabinet minister Pat McFadden said ministers were ‘happy to talk' to MPs with concerns but defended the bill as ‘a really important package of benefit reform'.

The vote is due to take place on 1 July with Labour having a 165 working majority.

A DWP spokesperson said: ‘We are determined to create a welfare system – backed by dedicated employment support – that will help people into work and out of poverty in all parts of the country.

‘But we will also never compromise on protecting people who need our support, and our reforms will mean the social security system will always be there for those who will never be able to work.'

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