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PIP cuts latest: 127 rebel Labour MPs, Tory offer, Starmer unmoving, Timms on TV

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Tuesday saw more Labour rebels sign the amendment which aims to kill the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill.

The total number of signatories is now 134, which includes:

  • 127 Labour MPs (including two suspended)
  • 5 DUP MPs
  • 2 independent MPs

There’s a full alphabetical list at the end of this article.

It’s also been suggested that one Labour MP has removed their name from the amendment as whips and ministers pile pressure on rebels to get back into line, though we haven’t identified which MP this might be.  Update:  one name missing from the latest list is Samantha Niblett, the Labour MP for South Derbyshire.

Tory offer to support the bill

Kemi Badenoch offered to give Tory support to the beleaguered bill, but with three conditions:

  • Reduce the cost of welfare more than this bill does
  • Get more people into work
  • Guarantee no new tax rises in the Autumn

Labour rejected the offer in what appeared to be an ugly and unprincipled episode of bartering with the lives of disabled claimants.

London mayor backs rebels

London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has called on the government to drop the bill until a proper system of support has been put in place, arguing: 

“I have always said that more must be done to support people to go from relying on benefits to getting back into work. It’s vital for a healthy and prosperous London. What we can’t do is take away the vital safety net that so many vulnerable and disabled Londoners rely upon.”

Starmer unmoving

Keir Starmer is refusing to give ground to the Labour rebels.  He told reporters yesterday “We’re pressing on with a vote on this because we need to bring about reform.”

Elsewhere, there are rumours he is considering postponing next Tuesday's vote in order to gain time to win rebels round.

Timms to face work and pensions committee

Stephen Timms, the DWP disability minister currently working on rewriting the PIP eligibility criteria, is to face questioning by the commons work and pensions committee from 9.43am today.  You can watch him on parliament tv

Full alphabetical list of the MPs who have signed the amendment

Abbott, Ms Diane

Abrahams, Debbie

Al-Hassan, Sadik

Ali, Tahir

Allin-Khan, Dr Rosena

Arthur, Dr Scott

Baker, Richard

Bance, Antonia

Barker, Paula

Barron, Lee

Beales, Danny

Beavers, Lorraine

Begum, Apsana

Betts, Mr Clive

Billington, Ms Polly

Bishop, Matt

Blake, Olivia

Brash, Mr Jonathan

Burgon, Richard

Burke, Maureen

Butler, Dawn

Byrne, Ian

Cadbury, Ruth

Campbell, Mr Gregory  (DUP)

Coleman, Ben

Collinge, Lizzi

Cooper, Andrew

Cooper, Dr Beccy

Craft, Jen

Creasy, Ms Stella

Davies, Paul

De Cordova, Marsha

Dean, Josh

Dhesi, Mr Tanmanjeet Singh

Dixon, Anna

Duffield, Rosie (Independent)

Duncan-Jordan, Neil

Easton,  Alex (Independent NI)

Eastwood, Colum

Eastwood, Sorcha

Eccles, Cat

Edwards, Lauren

Efford, Clive

Ellis, Maya

Entwistle, Kirith

Eshalomi, Florence

Evans, Chris

Fenton-Glynn, Josh

Ferguson, Patricia

Foster, Mr Paul

Foxcroft, Vicky

Francis, Daniel

Furniss, Gill

Gardner, Dr Allison

Gilbert, Tracy

Gwynne,  Andrew (Labour suspended)

Hack, Amanda

Haigh, Louise

Hall, Sarah

Hamilton, Fabian

Hamilton, Paulette

Hanna, Claire

Hayes, Helen

Hillier, Dame Meg

Hinchliff, Chris

Hume, Alison

Hurley, Patrick

Hussain, Imran

Jermy, Terry

Jogee, Adam

Johnson, Kim

Jones, Lillian

Jones, Ruth

Kelly Foy, Mary

Khan, Afzal

Lamb, Peter

Lavery, Ian

Leishman, Brian

Lewell, Emma

Lewis, Clive

Lockhart, Carla (DUP)

Long Bailey, Rebecca

Maskell, Rachael

McDonald, Andy

McDonnell, John  (Labour suspended)

McKenna, Kevin

Midgley, Anneliese

Mishra, Navendu

Mohamed, Abtisam

Morris, Grahame

Mullane, Margaret

Myer, Luke

Naish, James

Naismith, Connor

Newbury, Josh

Nichols, Charlotte

Onn, Melanie

Opher, Dr Simon

Osamor, Kate

Osborne, Kate

Owen, Sarah

Paffey, Darren

Pitcher, Lee

Platt, Jo

Quigley, Mr Richard

Qureshi, Yasmin

Ranger, Andrew

Rhodes, Martin

Ribeiro-Addy, Bell

Riddell-Carpenter, Jenny

Rimmer, Ms Marie

Robertson, Dave

Robinson, Gavin (DUP)

Rushworth, Sam

Shah, Naz

Shannon, Jim (DUP)

Smith, Cat

Sobel, Alex

Stainbank, Euan

Stewart, Elaine

Sullivan, Kirsteen

Swann, Robin

Trickett, Jon

Tufnell, Henry

Turner, Laurence

Vaughan, Tony

Webb, Chris

Western, Matt

Whittome, Nadia

Williams, David

Wilson,  Sammy (DUP)

Witherden, Steve

Yang, Yuan

Yasin, Mohammad

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  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Barneyboy
    · 22 minutes ago
    12 jets at just under 1 billion today and that not an issue.  But John in number 27 didn’t score 4 points so he can pay for the jets. 
    There’s no shortage of money for war toys and overseas wars that really aren’t our business. 
    Watching starmer at nato he looks a worried man. He is staring blankly into the abyss it’s like there is absolutely no heart nor soul in there. 
    Let’s hope this list continues to grow and the bill is killed and dropped. Starmer I fear is history either way but we need to be careful what we wish for we might just get it. Reform and the tories thing these l savage labour cuts haven’t went deep enough so we may get a stay if execution but I fear what’s coming down the tracks. I think we will get over this or this time but the fight will have to continue because we now they won’t stop attacking us and we must never forget what they actually tried on here and still may succeed. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Dave Dee
    · 28 minutes ago
    Another battle is against the abolishment of LCWRA/LCW and the Work Capability Assessment.

    There are people who claim LCWRA or LCW and don't have PIP or the other way around, so if someone doesn't qualify for this future PIP/Health element they will be left on the standard UC rate with possible sanctions and this would apply to disabled people who won't qualify for PIP.

    It's a recipe for disaster, a complete car crash and it will create utter chaos in Job Centres of people having meltdowns and outbursts. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Kevin
    · 31 minutes ago
    The bill needs stopping not tweaking, the rebels Labour mp’s and all the others need to see that any of these dreadful actions will affect hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable live in our society. It really does look like it will go through with the help from the Tories, I’m terrified Starmer is going to get all the cuts passed, my local Tory MP is voting for the cuts and believes they are needed but not harsh enough and that the conservatives are voting for the cuts now regardless of if it saves Starmer they want the cuts ASAP. It’s extremely frightening and I can’t see a way out now. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Dee
    · 39 minutes ago
    Saw something interesting on twitter about Stephen Timms made by Baroness J Campbell today: 

    "Since 1971 the extra costs of disability (AA, MobA, DLA, now PIP) enabled me to access education, employment, housing . It's what enabled a career which led me to Parliament. When I met Stephen Timms MP it became obvious he is under orders. Be brave MPs you can say not this way"
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    GLB
    · 50 minutes ago
    Just popped into my head Richard Burton from War of the World's " Slowly  but surely they drew their plans against us"

    But let's take the muppets down and crush em'
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    GLB
    · 1 hours ago
    How the hell is three months a lifeline?

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    GLB
    · 1 hours ago
    https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-instantly-rejects-pip-applicants-10288991

    This is how it will be done slowly 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Manny
    · 2 hours ago
    Just saw something on X that there could be some compromise of creating a 3pt added to claiming descriptors ,would still stop a lot of people from claiming, but would reduce those potentially losing PIP by 50%.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      tintack
      · 15 minutes ago
      @Manny
      "Just saw something on X that there could be some compromise of creating a 3pt added to claiming descriptors ,would still stop a lot of people from claiming, but would reduce those potentially losing PIP by 50%."

      One reason I would be very surprised if they offered this is that if it would indeed reduce those losing PIP by 50% that also means literally half of the savings from the PIP descriptor changes would be wiped out. I can't see Reeves going for that, given her soulless, dead-eyed spreadsheet mentality.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Richard
      · 28 minutes ago
      @tintack Those of in that position of getting LCWRA but not being eligible for PIP seem to have been forgotten about.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anniesmum
      · 43 minutes ago
      @tintack Yes you are right
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      tintack
      · 1 hours ago
      @Manny It's also worth adding that even if this proposal turns out to be real rather than just a rumour, it would do absolutely nothing for those of us who get LCWRA but not PIP and therefore stand to lose UC Health if it becomes dependent on a PIP-type assessment. We would still be thrown to the wolves, so it would be outrageous if they managed to get the bill through on the back of a concession like this.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Gingin
      · 1 hours ago
      @Manny I don’t like the sound of that, it would still be devastating for so many!
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    jeff
    · 2 hours ago
    a list of the labour MPs not on this list and who are supporting would be helpful?  then all those in their constituency can flood local Facebooks groups with the names and share their utter disgust ! as lets be frank, its digusting. also disgusting the amount of time Starmer and his ilks have let vulnerable people worry! they really do not give a toss. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Gingin
      · 1 hours ago
      @jeff Maybe the pressure would be helpful, but equally I’m aware that just because they didn’t sign the amendment doesn’t mean they support the cuts - I’ve heard there are opponents who didn’t sign…

      I’m not sure what the best thing to do is apart from we do need to keep emailing MPs, whether they’ve declared for or against, because it’s guaranteed they’ll be hearing plenty from people who are all for the cuts. And if they’re opposed they need to clearly know we appreciate it. They need to know we don’t want them to change their minds. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Anniesmum
    · 2 hours ago
    Would it actually be better for us then If they did vote on the bill instead of pulling it? 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      tintack
      · 20 minutes ago
      @Anniesmum
      "Would it actually be better for us then If they did vote on the bill instead of pulling it?"

      It's very hard to say, but on balance I think it might. It's too close to the vote now for them to pull any more concessions out of the hat - at least not with any credibility - and as things stand it looks likely they will lose. 

      If they pull the vote then they will probably try again in the autumn. They would no doubt try to buy off enough rebels in the meantime with "concessions" that would still leave hundreds of thousands of people in dire trouble. There is obviously a risk that could work, which is why, if the vote is delayed, we have to keep up the pressure on Labour MPs not to be taken in by whatever the government tries. It is also true that the detailed impact assessments should be available by the time of an autumn vote, which should make it harder for them to win a vote. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jonno
      · 24 minutes ago
      @Anniesmum That would mean the Tories would need to vote against and I really don't think they will, though I hope I'm wrong if it does go to a vote.

      I think the best we can hope for right now is the vote to be postponed and not brought back until after the summer recess. 

      This will give time for all the impact assessments to be completed, which in my opinion will only crystallise and harden opposition to these plans, especially if the plans for a Labour Mark 2 are steaming ahead. 

      I know that means months more of worry and uncertainty but much better to be worried and hopeful than have no hope at all and that's my fear about the vote next week. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Neil Cook
      · 1 hours ago
      @Anniesmum Hopefully they'll lose spectacularly 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dez
      · 2 hours ago
      @Anniesmum I suspect it getting voted down would be far more damaging to Starmer and especially to Kendall. There's talk that her job is on the line since all of this is all her scheme and if it fails to get through Parliament, she could be looking at being taken for walkies behind the shed. After all, there needs to be a scapegoat to take the fall for these things.

      Hope Timms goes along with her, personally. 

      Pulling the bill would at least give them some headroom to quell a rebellion and get some semblance of it through but as to what semblance, I have no idea. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    SevenBees
    · 2 hours ago
    Anyone from a position of authority should not be a prime minister except in war times. Starmer used to give orders according to law and it does not go this way in politics. I have noticed that when he suspended Jeremy Corbyn and the other mps who voted to lift two child benefits cap. Fortunately, a lot of MPs are feeling the same nowadays. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Alex
      · 27 minutes ago
      @SevenBees Yes, the way Starmer operates is not a democracy, it's called a dictatorship.  Vote with me or I'll boot you from the party!
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Dods
    · 3 hours ago
    I wouldn’t say Timms is “demonic”, that’s kinda giving him too much credit as an autonomous being. He’s more like the ineffectual, bumbling non-entity you wheel out to rehearse the party line in vague terms because you know that party line is going to collapse in a few days yet have to appear steadfast. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    clearwater
    · 3 hours ago
    That Untrustworthy Toad...........   Stephen Timms states 


    frankly i cant watch more BS drivel. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dez
      · 2 hours ago
      @clearwater I really, really want to like Debbie Abrahams but God, does she really have to talk to somebody who has spouted nothing but lies and conjecture about people on benefits all year like she's a guidance counsellor talking to a 5-year-old? I know this is probably just how she feels she can get more answers but Debbie - honey - he's not going to tell you any different from what he told you in February before the Green Paper dropped. Why assume any different now?

      I mean, Timms's demeanour speaks for itself here. When he was being confronted by other MPs who - quite rightfully - tore into him, he got super defensive and pretty much fled the room but here? He's practically walking on air because he's being enabled and allowed to spout the same lies over and over. 

      It goes pretty much goes like what I've stated in earlier comments:

      Work and Pensions Committee: We have concerns about your proposals to help disabled people into work.
      Timms: spouts the classic line about how the current system isn't working and is letting down disabled people and they just don't know what is good for them - dammit!
      Work and Pensions Committee: OK, that's very nice, Stephen. See you back here in the autumn where we'll express the same concerns and we can expect the exact same line from you.

      Just what an absolute waste of time. If you're not going to challenge him or any of his superiors on anything - namely how PIP is not an out of work benefit (yes, I'm not letting that go) - then you're absolutely doing more harm than good. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Manny
    · 3 hours ago
    Wow! ,If thos goes through with the help of the Tories,this will be the death Knell for the LP .
    And they'll both have blood on their hands,so they'll protect each other.
    Hopefully they'll be a breakthrough over the weekend 🙏, and they'll give some leeway, maybe with some delay and impact assessment. 
    But I ain't hold my breath.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Lisa
    · 3 hours ago
    Not surprised my MP for Barking and MP for Dagenham arent on there. They're absolutely Starmerites. We have some of the highest poverty rates in the UK in this borough. Taking away people's LCWRA part of UC if they dont get enhanced care rate is absolutely barbaric.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Gingin
    · 4 hours ago
    ITV reports Starmer’s answer to a Mail journalist’s question and it is quite hilarious! The opposing MPs are apparently just ‘noises off’ - the man knows how to charm and win people over, doesn’t he? 🤣 I think he’s finished, even if the end drags on a bit.

    'Is it tough going? Are there plenty of noises off? Yes, of course - there always are'

    The PM insists Labour is a 'united front' on the proposed welfare reforms, despite over 120 backbenchers backing a move to block the plans

    Starmer says he's 'comfortable reading the room    '

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      SevenBees
      · 2 hours ago
      @Gingin Starmer is suitable to be a home secretary in respect of his qualifications and work experience. He is not a politician and he never been. So you are absolutely right and I totally agree with you.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Marc
    · 4 hours ago
    The Guardian : Starmer suggests welfare bill revolt just 'noises off' as he rejects claim row shows he is bad at politics


    He's going completely doolally 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Neil Cook
      · 1 hours ago
      @Marc More like well and truly gone off the deep end 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      D.Head
      · 1 hours ago
      @Marc the arrogance of the "man" is shocking. He also says  in the same article about how labour have a big majority to push what they like through basically. As we knew all along he thinks because they have a large majority he can do as he likes. which he can't as clearly demonstrated by the rebellion. deluded
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    John
    · 4 hours ago
    On conditionality Timms said UC health recipients will only be required to engage in support conversations and some would be exempt from that. As the government to start with will focus on those on UC health who want help into work. But the government believes conditionality is appropriate for the UC health group and will be looking at increasing conditionality on UC health recipients in the future. At least if not enough people take up the offers of help. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      tintack
      · 2 hours ago
      @John
      That's just an extension of their own demented logic. Current UC LCWRA claimants get LCWRA because we've been through the WCA and been found unfit for work, despite the WCA being notoriously harsh and loaded against the claimant, hence the lack of conditionality. But if UC Health no longer depends on incapacity for work, then that opens up the application of conditionality. Of course, conditionality has been shown to be totally counterproductive, but people like Timms don't care about that. 

      These people are fanatics. There can be no compromise with such people, they have to be fought as hard as possible.  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Yorkie Bard
    · 4 hours ago
    So - It's behind a paywall. 

    What you can see is a picture of mint cake and she's gone incognito!
    It really is worth a look.

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Hilde
    · 4 hours ago
    I really "hope" there's a new Labour party assembling itself somewhere in the wings. People with credibility and experience, and who will have compassion and socialistic views at the heart of it. Because we sure are going to need it in four years time..
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Hilde
      · 38 minutes ago
      @Hilde I would also add, that we want to hear what they're planning for welfare BEFORE the election  and not just say "we'll always support the sick and disabled ".

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