Keir Starmer’s government is facing serious turbulence from within its own party, as more than 100 Labour MPs prepare to challenge a proposed bill that would cut disability benefits — and even big party names like Sadiq Khan are backing the revolt.

The backlash is brewing just days ahead of a crucial Commons vote scheduled for July 1, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most significant internal rebellions Starmer has faced as Prime Minister.

Over 100 Labour MPs Push Back on Welfare Reform Bill

A total of 108 Labour MPs have now signed a formal amendment aimed at blocking the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill, a controversial proposal that would tighten rules on who qualifies for key disability support.

The pushback is strong enough to potentially derail the legislation altogether, despite Labour’s huge parliamentary majority.

At least one minister has already resigned in protest, and others are reportedly considering it.

Sadiq Khan Joins the Revolt Over “Dangerous” Cuts

London Mayor Sadiq Khan publicly joined the dissenters, voicing concern that the bill would strip away the “vital safety net” for many vulnerable and disabled Londoners.

He warned, “The impact on London will be substantial… for too many disabled Londoners, it will destroy their financial security.”

His call for the government to “urgently think again” adds even more pressure to an already divided leadership.

Starmer Stands Firm, Says System is “Broken”

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Netherlands, Starmer made it clear that he’s not backing down.

“The welfare system is broken,” he said. “It’s not working for anyone, and I’m not prepared to allow that to continue.”

He argued that 1,000 people a day are joining the PIP system, likening the annual increase to “adding a city the size of Leicester” to the welfare rolls — something he described as “unsustainable.”

Starmer insisted there is a “moral case” for reform and ruled out any delay, saying: “We were elected to fix what’s broken, and we’re going to press ahead.”

Ministers Push “Fairness” Message While Tensions Rise

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall have been trying to calm nerves among MPs.

Kendall addressed the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and doubled down on the government’s intentions, describing the reforms as “rooted in fairness” and necessary to preserve the welfare state long-term.

She said, “These reforms are about helping people reach their potential.

It’s about building a better future, together.”

Backbench MPs Say the Plan Risks Harming Disabled People

But many Labour MPs say the plan is not only politically risky — it’s ethically wrong.

Former whip Vicky Foxcroft, who resigned over the bill, and others like Helen Hayes and Debbie Abrahams argue the proposed cuts could push hundreds of thousands into poverty.

Their biggest concerns?

No formal consultation with disabled people before drafting the bill.
No published impact assessment from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) until autumn.
Potentially 250,000 people pushed into poverty, including 50,000 children.

“We’re being asked to vote on this without all the facts,” Abrahams said. “That’s unacceptable.”

Threats of Expulsions Spark Talk of “Labour 2”

Adding fuel to the fire, there have been whispers that MPs who vote against the bill could be kicked out of the party.

This has sparked murmurs of a breakaway faction, with some MPs threatening to form a “Labour 2” group if disciplinary action is taken.

While the government says the door is open to discussions, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden admitted the scale of the rebellion is “very serious.”

The Bill’s Big Gamble: £5 Billion in Savings or a Political Backlash?

The proposed legislation is meant to save up to £5 billion a year by tightening access to PIP and adjusting Universal Credit eligibility.

But critics say it’s rushing through with inadequate consultation and unclear impacts, particularly for disabled people who rely on this support to work and live independently.

Supporters of the bill argue that long-term sickness and disability claims are rising too fast and the system needs a reset.

McFadden added, “As the party of work, we can’t sit back and ignore this trend.

But we must find the right balance.”

The Road Ahead: Can Labour Survive This Internal Storm?

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will decide whether to allow the amendment to proceed during the July 1 debate.

If passed, it would block the bill from moving forward — a major embarrassment for the government.

Whether Starmer stands firm or is forced into a U-turn remains to be seen, but this battle is shaping up to be about more than policy — it’s about leadership, values, and how far the party is willing to go in the name of reform.