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

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

Details

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.
    Mike from Gainsborough.
    · 5 hours ago
    My local MP Conservative Sir Edward Leigh has confirmed he’s voting for the cuts and that the conservative party is in favour of the cuts and then when these are passed he said they are going to pressure Starmer for wider sweeping cuts so tax can be reduced for hard working people, I kid you not! 

    So folks it looks dire for next weeks vote, the Tories are backing Starmer, shock horror. So prepare as it’s going to be desperate for all of us disabled people in the future, poverty, homelessness and many lives lost due to true blue Starmer and his friends in the Tory party, he’s obviously made a back door deal with the Tory leadership. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Scorpion
      · 2 hours ago
      @Mike from Gainsborough. "MP Conservative Sir Edward Leigh has confirmed he’s voting for the cuts and that the conservative party is in favour of the cuts and then when these are passed he said they are going to pressure Starmer for wider sweeping cuts so tax can be reduced for hard working people."

      Could you share where he has said the above, as I can't find anywhere where he says this!
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      SLB
      · 3 hours ago
      @Mike from Gainsborough. Where has he confirmed it.  I see nothing on his X account, and nothing in a search of news items.  He has said today he is voting for it, and while the Tories are in favour of cuts, that doesn't mean they will vote for it.  There were lots of things that the Tories did that Labour was generally in favour of, but they voted against because of wording or a bill not going far enough.  Tories have said that they will vote for the bill on three conditions.  If THEY backtrack and vote for Labour without those conditions being met, then they are going to look weak and stupid.  
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Gingin
      · 4 hours ago
      @Mike from Gainsborough.  ‘Prepare’? Not very helpful. Sorry, we just had great news yesterday. Things are swaying in our favour and we never thought we’d get anywhere near this position since the green paper was first published. We are doing everything we can to oppose this and that’s all we can do. Wallowing in negative predictions doesn’t help anyone. Everyone’s already aware, and has been for some time, that this is an uphill battle. But things are looking quite good now. I choose to dwell on that.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Leah
      · 5 hours ago
      @Mike from Gainsborough. Where has this been confirmed please?
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Barneyboy
    · 6 hours 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.
      James
      · 4 hours ago
      @Mike from Gainsborough. Hang in there. The point is the more these Dickenson capitalist attack our own people the more likely there will be a huge lash back to them and real changes will start once people feel and see the real effects of this sort of crazy unhinged behaviour by the pollical ruling classes. They have not learnt from the lessons of history and this will end up being their own undoing. 
      Neo Liberalism which started under Thatcher in 1981 has not delivered any of the changes it promised. It was brought in because the previous economic model was failing (allegedly) and it was going to redistribute wealth and increase growth, etc.
      It is now 49 years later and the results speak for themselves. Redistribution of wealth went to the 1 percent, growth has stagnated, inflation is high which erodes savings and there is an increase in poverty in society. It's time to say neo liberalism aka Thatcherism Reaganism has failed and a new alternative must be sought rather then trying the same things and expecting different results. Something has to change and it has to change drastically before it turns into a real revolution by the people
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Moose
      · 4 hours ago
      @Barneyboy Absolutely. Starmer is firstly a lawyer. He’s out of his depth as a PM. Every time he opens his millionaires mouth to speak about poverty I just feel sick at the inbalance between those who struggle day to day and those who are clueless in their ivory towers.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Mike from Gainsborough.
      · 5 hours ago
      @Barneyboy We are doomed, if Starmer doesn’t get us the rest will. I’ve had enough, I really have, what’s the point. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Dave Dee
    · 6 hours 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.
      Helen Galloway
      · 3 hours ago
      @Dave Dee Having struggled with their cruelty working for them you’ll be ignored or given short shrift. They have managers who are hard as nails . They might call the police or security guards. They seem determined to shut down everybody who is different. With the lesser tolerance of anybody now. But this will cause deaths. Hopefully there will be an outcry. Deeply worrying. I hope there’s enough uproar when the reports are released. I sent a really heartfelt email to my MP stating that supposing I starve I cannot put myself through any more of mistreatment by other people. I’m lucky to have my husband and that not long after 2030 my mortgage will be paid but it would still be very frugal not claiming any benefits except my small pension. I’m not a pensioner . But I plan to support myself by saving as much as I can before I lose the benefits. I can’t stress how evil they are enough.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      D
      · 5 hours ago
      @Dave Dee Also forcing someone to claiming both uc and pip (via a new uber benefit) instead of continuing the option of only claiming the benefit types you need could end up in some cases doubling the money paid to some individual claimants.

      As nice as one less assessment sounds the possibility of losing pip &uc at the same time is terrifying.

      Also whilst pip stays non means tested it is still hugely attractive to figure out how to earn a little money so no longer have to claim uc and can use pip award to bridge the financial gap (which would still be a financial win for the dwp) - that was my goal over the next year if health allowed however Labour leadership declaring war on disabled has forced that plan on ice as I can’t guarantee I’ll still have the pip safety in place next year. (So on a personal note these planned cuts have encouraged me to do the exact opposite of the govs intention of encouraging disabled in the workplace and has worsened my health so even if u turned some damage has already be done)
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Kevin
    · 6 hours 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
    · 6 hours 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.
      sara
      · 5 hours ago
      @Dee Always thought that about Timms. He looks like a man who's made a pact with the devil.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    GLB
    · 6 hours 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.
      Matt
      · 5 hours ago
      @GLB Without Burton's fabulous narration
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Jonno
      · 5 hours ago
      @GLB Much of the Labour cabinet seems to come from Mars. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    GLB
    · 7 hours ago
    How the hell is three months a lifeline?

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    GLB
    · 7 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.
      Slb
      · 5 hours ago
      @GLB Please don't take notice of the "Live" news websites.  They are extremely unreliable. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      John
      · 5 hours ago
      @GLB Do GPs diagnose people with mental health conditions that impact daily living to the severity (8pts for standard rate, 12pts for enhanced rate) and duration (3 months before can claim PIP and expected to last at least another 9 months, so a total of a year or more) needed for PIP to be awarded without referral to a specialist due to the severity and/or lack of improvement.

      If I had a mental health condition that severe for 3 months with a prognosis of not expected to improve in the next 9 months. I would want/expect to be referred to a specialist. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Manny
    · 7 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
      · 4 hours ago
      @godgivemestrength
      "Were you saying they would make another descriptor a 3 pointer, or that 3 points would replace the 4 point rule currently proposed?"

      I was responding to someone else who said they saw this on twitter. I haven't seen it myself so I don't know what the detail is. As far as I can see this hasn't been mentioned anywhere else so for all I know it might just be a twitter rumour or pure speculation. 

      However, I still find it very hard to believe that they would agree to something which would wipe out a substantial chunk of the savings they're expectng from the PIP descriptor changes. They keep saying that they have to hold the vote now because spending on PIP needs to be cut urgently, so if they agree to something that wipes out a significant chunk of those savings that would undermine the whole point of the bill.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      godgivemestrength
      · 5 hours ago
      @tintack There's currently one 3 point descriptor in the pip assessment:

      "Needs physical help to be able to get in or out of a bath or shower".

      Were you saying they would make another descriptor a 3 pointer, or that 3 points would replace the 4 point rule currently proposed?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      tintack
      · 5 hours 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
      · 6 hours 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
      · 6 hours ago
      @tintack Yes you are right
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    jeff
    · 8 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
      · 7 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
    · 8 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.
      YogiBear
      · 5 hours ago
      @Dez Love your post Debz. Agree with everything you said. 'Liz being taken for 'walkies behind the shed' gave me a much needed chuckle. Starmer is the architect of his own downfall. If not now, it's coming down the line.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      tintack
      · 6 hours 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
      · 6 hours 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
      · 7 hours ago
      @Anniesmum Hopefully they'll lose spectacularly 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dez
      · 7 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. 
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    SevenBees
    · 8 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
      · 6 hours 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
    · 8 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.
      rtbcpart 2
      · 5 hours ago
      @Dods
      Well if Timms's job is to be

      "the ineffectual, bumbling non-entity you wheel out to rehearse the party line in vague terms"

      then he's doing it 100% 😂

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    clearwater
    · 9 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
      · 4 hours ago
      @clearwater So, I stand corrected. Johanna Baxter (a Scottish Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South) starts questioning Timms around 10 minutes in and did a pretty good job doing so. 

      She was successful in making him concede that PIP has no relation to employment (which clearly frazzled him, because that's a narrative that him and Kendall have been using to gaslight the public since March) and she was also clearly not accepting any of his excuses regarding disabled workers finding support outside of PIP payments even with the 13 week transitional period (because the NHS is under pressure as it is and nobody is going to get therapy or whatever in 13 weeks now, much less when the service is under added strain) and that they do intend to "fix the NHS" ("It takes time to do that!") and "well, we're meeting our targets and we still have over a year to make more progress!" ("So, more pressure on Wes Streeting - that's reassuring!"). She also brought up how Scotland's waiting lists on the NHS aren't doing as well as Timms's claims regarding England's waiting lists but clearly, she recognised that is of little concern to Westminster so... whatever.

      She also asked about PIP claimants who are of State Pension age and of course, Timms danced around this issue yet again by arguing that they're on "ongoing awards" and are not subject to reassessments. Which would be true if that was across the board and we were dealing with DLA but we're not. Not every person of State Pension age is on a 10 year award (let's be accurate: that's what they are) and you get reassured on a 10 year award so why he keeps going with this line when it's so fantastically inaccurate, I don't know.

      But yes, Johanna wasn't taking any of his guff whatsoever, it seems.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      rookie
      · 4 hours ago
      @clearwater They're all useless. Couldn't get beyond the introductions. It's just torture trying to listen. Yah di yah di yah. Someone should samp!e this lot and release a single. Probably enough for an album.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon
      · 5 hours ago
      @clearwater "So, do you still intend on bringing the second reading of the bill forward on Tuesday?"
      "Yes, we are. I'm really looking forward to it."
      "OK..." (nervous laughter)

      You know they're laughing because Timms very inappropriately stated that he's looking forward to the reading of a bill that is highly controversial and is producing a lot of backlash to the point where it's questionable it'll go his way. The man isn't just walking on air as Dez pointed out. He's on another planet entirely.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dez
      · 7 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. 
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    Manny
    · 9 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
    · 9 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
    · 9 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
      · 8 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
    · 9 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.
      robbie
      · 4 hours ago
      @D.Head That majority is under the Labour banner in name, but It comprises individuals, some of whom are decent, genuine Labour mps, thank the lord.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Neil Cook
      · 7 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
      · 7 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
    · 9 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
      · 8 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
    · 10 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.
      keepingitreal
      · 4 hours ago
      @Yorkie Bard I was able to read it without subscribing. Aside from enjoying your comment on that hilarious pic of Kendall, I have to say It's a very powerful article which needs to be shared widely. The case examples are harrowing.

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