Summary
The UK government decided not to cut disability and sickness benefits after facing pushback from many MPs, affecting Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. This was the third time in a month that Starmer's government changed its plans, indicating challenges within his party.
Key Facts
- The UK government reversed plans to reduce disability and sickness benefits after 126 MPs opposed the changes.
- The proposed changes would have tightened eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment, affecting many with long-term health conditions.
- The government's plan aimed to help people find jobs and save 5 billion pounds yearly.
- Labour MPs were concerned that the changes could reduce income for 3.2 million people by 2030.
- Starmer's administration has altered other policies recently, including keeping a winter heating benefit for pensioners.
- The changes now mean stricter rules will only impact new applicants, not current benefit receivers.
- This issue arose just as Prime Minister Starmer marked the first year of Labour's return to power.
- A recent poll suggested Labour is losing voters to other political parties.
