Peter Atitebi

The Labour government is preparing for a parliamentary vote on welfare changes Tuesday, following recent concessions made to address concerns from within the party. Ministers have implemented several modifications to the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill after facing internal pressure. These changes include maintaining current protections for personal independence payment (PIP) recipients from reforms scheduled for November 2026 and reversing proposed reductions to the health-related component of universal credit. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall outlined these adjustments Monday, though the response from backbench MPs remained mixed. When asked about confidence in the bill's passage, disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms stated, "I certainly hope it passes." Initially, 126 Labour MPs had supported a "reasoned amendment" from Treasury Committee chairwoman Dame Meg Hillier that would have blocked the legislation. Following Friday's concessions, Dame Meg characterized the changes as a […]

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the Welsh Labour conference, stating that while there is consensus on the need for welfare system reform, Labour will maintain support for vulnerable people. Speaking in Llandudno following recent policy reversals prompted by parliamentary opposition, Starmer emphasized that reforms must align with Labour principles. "We cannot take away the safety net that vulnerable people rely on, and we won't, but we also can't let it become a snare for those who can and want to work," the Prime Minister stated. Starmer characterized the current welfare system as requiring urgent attention, citing daily failures, challenges facing young people, and escalating costs. He described reform as "a moral imperative" while maintaining it must be approached "in a Labour way." The Prime Minister praised Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, describing her as a "fierce champion" and "the […]