Welfare concessions 'common sense', says PM - as he defends U-turn

Welfare reforms strike ‘right balance’, says Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has said his welfare reforms now strike “the right balance” after he U-turned in the face of a major backbench rebellion. Speaking for the first time after Downing Street agreed a series of concessions on its welfare policy, the prime minister said the climbdown followed a “constructive discussion” with Labour rebels. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories attack welfare plan as costly and confused

Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden has criticised the government’s welfare reforms, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of “U-turns” and lacking clarity on funding. He warned the plans will fail to cut welfare costs and predicted tax rises in the autumn to cover the changes 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