Starmer stands firm on welfare bill as number of Labour rebels passes 120

<p>Party big-hitters including Sadiq Khan urge PM to pause legislation as ministers and whips fail to contain rebellion</p><p>Keir Starmer has said the government will stand firm on its welfare plans as ministers and party whips struggled to contain a growing Labour rebellion before next week’s vote.</p><p>By Tuesday night the tally of rebels stood at 123 Labour MPs, up from 108, plus 11 MPs from opposition parties, all from Northern Ireland. As Labour heavy-hitters waded into the row, there were fears inside government that the number would rise and scupper Starmer’s changes to benefits.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/24/keir-starmer-says-government-will-stand-firm-on-disability-welfare-overhaul">Continue reading...</a>