Andy Burnham has thrown a spanner in Keir Starmer’s welfare reform plans, urging Labour MPs to vote against the government’s cuts — despite last-minute concessions from No.10.
Speaking at Glastonbury, the Manchester mayor dismissed Starmer’s climbdown as only “half a U-turn” and said Labour MPs must reject the bill to avoid creating a two-tier system for disabled people.
⚖️ Starmer’s partial retreat fails to calm the rebels
On Friday, the government announced it would soften its plans to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget, following a rebellion by over 120 Labour MPs.
Under the new proposals, people already receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Universal Credit will not be affected — but future claimants could receive significantly less support.
Starmer hopes the change will be enough to get the bill through Parliament on Tuesday. But Burnham isn’t buying it.
“What’s been announced is half a U-turn, a 50% U-turn,” he said. “I’d still hope MPs vote against the whole bill when it comes before Parliament.”
🧑🦽 ‘Why did you make me worse off?’
Burnham warned that if MPs back the plan, they could soon be facing tough questions from constituents.
“Someone could come to their surgery in two years saying ‘why did you vote to make me £6,000 worse off than someone exactly the same, but who was protected because they were an existing claimant?’”
He added that the proposal risks “dividing disabled people” into winners and losers based purely on when they applied for support.
🗳️ Labour still facing major rebellion on Tuesday
Despite Starmer’s attempt to calm the rebellion, as many as 50 Labour MPs are still expected to vote against the government this week.
Vicky Foxcroft, who resigned as a Labour whip over the issue, said the updated plan still doesn’t go far enough.
“This isn’t just about warm words,” she said. “This is about making sure we get policy right.”
🧾 Kendall insists reform will support those who can work
Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall will address Parliament on Monday to outline the full changes. She says the plan aims to remove barriers and give disabled people dignity and choice.
“Too often, disabled people feel trapped—worried that if they try to work, they could lose the support they depend on.”
“We must build a welfare system that provides security for those who cannot work and the right support for those who can.”
Still, critics argue the reforms create a two-tier system — and the political damage may already be done.
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