With a crucial vote looming in Parliament, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is holding firm on her position regarding Labour’s controversial welfare reform bill. Kendall has framed the sweeping changes as a necessary step to save the UK’s £326 billion benefits system from long-term collapse, insisting that without action now, the system may not be able to support those who rely on it in the future. Though she acknowledges the decisions are difficult, Kendall maintains they are essential for sustainability, stating that she won’t shy away from “difficult choices.”
At the centre of the proposed reforms are changes to disability benefits, including significant reductions to Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Nearly 950,000 claimants could be affected by the cuts by 2030, including over 800,000 PIP recipients and around 150,000 carers. To soften the impact, the bill includes safeguards such as a 13-week transitional payment and exemptions from reassessments for those with lifelong or terminal illnesses. Still, the move has sparked considerable anxiety among claimants and criticism from advocacy groups.
Within the Labour Party itself, opposition is growing. Reports suggest as many as 70 Labour MPs are considering rebelling against the bill, with around 160 having already voiced serious concerns. Critics argue that the changes target the most vulnerable in society and risk pushing many into deeper financial hardship. Disability advocacy organisations have echoed this fear, warning that the cuts could cause real harm, particularly for those already struggling to cope with the rising cost of living. Some MPs have called the reforms “cruel” and accused the government of losing sight of the party’s long-standing commitment to social justice.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed Kendall’s position, describing the reforms as responsible governance rather than austerity. He insists that the aim is to preserve the welfare state, not dismantle it, by ensuring it can continue to deliver for future generations. However, party unity is under pressure. The leadership is said to be counting votes closely and may consider strong measures to secure the bill’s passage, including reshuffles or disciplinary action against those who defy the party line.
As Kendall stands resolute, this moment could prove a defining one for Labour, testing its ability to balance fiscal responsibility with compassion. Whether her warnings about the system’s future resonate enough to bring the party together remains to be seen.
