Chancellor insists Labour rebels 'know the welfare system needs reform' as they push for change
Friday, 9 May 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves has insisted that rebelling LabourMPs "know the welfare system needs reform" as the government faces a growing backlash over planned cuts.
The chancellor says the welfare system "needs reform", as more than 40 MPs have written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urging him to pause and reassess planned cuts to disability benefits. Rachel Reeves adds, "the current levels of people going onto these benefits is not sustainable". Report by...
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds visit a business in Nuneaton to promote the government’s new industrial strategy Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Rachel Reeves doesn’t say whether the UK believes strikes by the US on Iran were legal. The Chancellor tells broadcasters during a visit in the West Midlands: "It is up to the US to make that case. We were not involved in these actions and, of course, we would never comment on the legal advice that the government receives." Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Following the Bank of England’s decision to leave UK interest rates at 4.25%, Rachel Reeves says the government respects the Bank's decision. Speaking at the Times CEO Summit in central London, the Chancellor says, "we respect independent economic institutions, and the Bank has got an incredibly important but difficult job to do”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Rachel Reeves says it is "disappointing" to have a month of "bad data", as the latest figures show the UK economy shrunk by 0.3% in April, a figure higher than expected. But the chancellor says U.S. trade tariffs have had an impact. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Education minister Baroness Smith appeals to Labour MPs to support the controversial bill on welfare changes, saying, “it’s only a Labour government that can reform the welfare system”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says Labour’s welfare reforms fail to cut spending, boost employment or rule out tax rises - key conditions for Conservative support. She accused ministers of “giving up” and warned the bill’s U-turns threaten public finances. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall says she “hopes” concessions to the welfare Bill will win over Labour rebels, despite some still refusing to back it. She called the changes a sign of “strength in listening” and insisted protections for existing claimants were standard practice, aimed at easing widespread concerns ahead of Tuesday’s vote. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer says the welfare system must be reformed without removing the “safety net” for vulnerable people. Speaking at the Welsh Labour conference, he said change is a “moral..
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith criticises Labour's welfare reform saying it will not ''change the number of people in work.'' It comes as ministers are discussing the prospect of further..
The trade minister said there would be time for discussions with potential rebels before Tuesday’s welfare bill vote. Douglas Alexander said there was “high levels of agreement” on the principles..