Government in talks with Labour MPs on welfare reforms, No 10 says

Badenoch: Labour’s welfare plan fails key tests

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

Kendall says welfare changes show 'strength in listening'

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

Hillier hails welfare deal after Labour revolt

Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier says a workable compromise has been reached on welfare reforms after ministers offered concessions to avoid defeat. Sir Keir Starmer faced pressure from 126 Labour MPs who backed an amendment to block the Bill, but the government now expects it to pass its first Commons vote on 1 July. Hillier says the changes are "critical to protecting the most vulnerable." Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn