Labour’s Welfare Bill Passes Commons After Major Concessions, Swinney Labels Approach ‘Appalling’
Labour’s Welfare Bill Passes Commons After Major Concessions, Swinney Labels Approach ‘Appalling’
The UK government’s controversial welfare reform bill has passed its latest stage in the House of Commons, but only after Labour ministers were forced into significant concessions following a substantial backbench rebellion. The original proposals, which included changes to Universal Credit and stricter rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), saw the bulk of their more contentious measures removed to stave off defeat.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has vehemently criticized the UK government’s handling of the reforms, describing their approach as “absolutely appalling” and “shocking.” Swinney accused Westminster of “essentially preying on some of those vulnerable within our society” before deserting their own proposals. He highlighted the Scottish government’s contrasting strategy, which has involved “hard decisions” like tax rises to fund a more generous devolved social security system, currently projected to cost £1.2bn more than its block grant funding, a gap set to widen to £2bn by 2030.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the revised bill, asserting it would make the welfare system “better for individuals, better for the taxpayer and better for the economy.” He emphasized that the bill would end mandatory reassessment for those with severe disabilities and “re-balance” Universal Credit, while setting a “pathway to reform” for PIP.
The government’s initial impact assessment had warned that the original reforms could push an additional 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into relative poverty by 2030. While the watered-down proposals are expected to reduce this figure, concerns remain. Over 120 Labour MPs had threatened to vote against the bill, with a significant number of Scottish Labour MPs joining the initial rebellion. Although most ultimately voted in favour after the concessions, four Scottish Labour MPs – Brian Leishman, Irene Campbell, Tracey Gilbert, and Euan Stainbank – maintained their opposition.
The government has pledged not to change PIP rules until after a review, but rebel MPs have warned that the bill could still face defeat when it returns to the Commons next week if these assurances are not upheld. The ongoing debate underscores deep divisions over the future direction of welfare policy across the UK.
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