ANGELA Rayner today vowed to “press ahead” with slashing benefits, while Labour’s backbench rebellion continued to grow.
The Deputy PM emphasized that a crucial vote on welfare reforms will take place next Tuesday, despite nearly 120 MPs expressing their intent to oppose Sir Keir Starmer and attempt to block the bill.
Standing in for Sir Keir at PMQs, Ms Rayner told the Commons: “We will go ahead on Tuesday.
“We are moving forward with our reforms because we are allocating a billion pounds for personalized employment support, aiming to assist more people back into the workforce, and eliminating reassessments for those with severe disabilities who will not be able to work,” he stated.
“We won’t walk away and stand by, and abandon millions of people trapped in the failing system left behind by him and his colleagues.”
As the PM participates in the Nato summit in The Hague, aides from Downing Street and cabinet ministers have been working hard to manage what is seen as the most significant challenge of Sir Keir’s leadership.
Ministers have been calling rebels in a desperate attempt to convince them to remove their names from an amendment that would destroy the welfare bill.
But their efforts have resulted in just one MP stepping back.
Meanwhile, others who didn’t sign on to the amendment have been privately pledging to join it.
At PMQs Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said the Tories would help Labour pass the reforms if ministers promise not to raise taxes at the next Budget.
Responding to the ultimatum, Ms Rayner blasted: “This is a bit rich. Unbelievable.
“Inflation above 11 per cent, the biggest tax rises by their party. I take no lectures.
“And on this issue, they can’t make their minds up.
“First they said our reforms were taking too long, then they say they were rushed, then their frontbench said our measures were too tough and now they say they need to be tougher.”
The current rebels, who include Labour committee chairs, claim the plans would push 250,000 more people into poverty.
They were emboldened last night by backing from London Mayor Sadiq Khan and more MPs were set to join the revolt.
Sir Keir has said next Tuesday is not a confidence vote — meaning rebels will not be booted out of the party — but has deployed his ministers, including Welfare Secretary Liz Kendall, to twist MPs’ arms.
