Welfare reform bill LIVE as MPs vote on DWP benefit cuts amid mass Labour rebellion

MPs are set to vote on controversial cuts to benefits as Labour attempts to overcome a huge rebellion from its backbenchers.

The welfare reforms, which were first announced in March, would make it harder to claim disability benefits. However, concessions made by the government last week mean that anyone currently claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will not be affected.

It came after more than 120 Labour MPs came out against the reforms, threatening to vote against the bill in the House of Commons.

Eight Greater Manchester MPs signed the amendment aimed at killing the bill, while the region's two Lib Dem MPs also opposed it.

Sign up to the MEN Politics newsletter Due North here

Key rebels have now said that they will support the bill following the concessions which were made on Thursday night (June 26).

But some Labour MPs are still not convinced, with several Greater Manchester MPs saying that they will still vote against the bill.

The government's working majority is 165 which means that, if all opposition MPs oppose the bill, it would take just 83 Labour rebels to vote it down. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will be debated in the Commons this afternoon (July 1).

The vote is expected to take place by 7pm.

Follow below for live updates.

For the latest stories and breaking news visit manchestereveningnews.co.uk . Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here.

You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest.

Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking