Starmer survives rebellion as watered-down welfare cuts pass key vote

Sir Keir Starmer’s welfare bill passed its first Commons vote by a narrow majority of 75 despite a large rebellion of 49 Labour MPs—the biggest defiance since 1997. The bill, heavily watered down after concessions, mainly cuts Universal Credit sickness benefits for new claimants but delays changes to disability payments (PIP) until after a 2026 review. Many MPs expressed concern over the bill’s impact on disabled and sick people, with an amendment to block progress defeated by 44 rebels, Sky News has reported. The government insists the bill supports vulnerable people and encourages work, while critics accuse it of rushing and failing to take tough spending decisions.