Tories Prevaricate on Welfare Bill Ahead of Starmer Rebellion Vote – Guido Fawkes

Tories Prevaricate on Welfare Bill Ahead of Starmer Rebellion Vote

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The Tories have offered to support Starmer’s welfare bill on Tuesday, despite a growing rebellion from Labour’s backbenches. In return, they are asking for a crackdown on welfare spending, measures to get people back into work, and a firm commitment to no new tax hikes. More tests…

Kemi Badenoch posted on X today in response to reports that the vote could be delayed as Starmer struggles to contain the rebellion: “This is pathetic. Starmer must not pull this bill. We’ve offered to support him in the national interest.” This is a gaping wound for Labour…

If all opposition parties voted against the bill on Tuesday, just 87 Labour MPs would be needed to rebel to kill the bill and deliver a serious blow to Starmer – something senior government figures have described as “a confidence vote in Starmer” when ringing round MPs. The LibDems and Reform are expected to oppose the bill on Tuesday, but the Tories have so far prevaricated…

The Tory position on the reforms themselves has been contradictory. First the party said Labour was not moving fast enough, then that it was moving too fast. The changes were “too little, too late” and not “tough” enough before they were “cruel” and “careless.” Joe Robertson on GB News today says they go too far. The Tories have their own party consultation on welfare too. Completely muddled…

The Tories wouldn’t be blamed for opposing welfare cuts because they could just add their own amendment going further than Labour and vote for that and vote down Labour’s measures. The public supports much stronger welfare cuts. This is basic Commons amendments opposition…

As of now, 123 Labour MPs – and counting – have signed a reasoned amendment that would block the bill. If the Tories side with them, those opposed could command a majority of 44. Without them, the government could carry the bill by a margin of 76. Whether Starmer suffers a crushing defeat is in the Tories’ hands. This could be an easy win for the Tories…