Summary

  • Rachel Reeves has the prime minister's "full backing", a Downing Street spokesman says, after the chancellor was seen crying in the House of Commons

  • Asked why Reeves was tearful, her spokesperson says: "It's a personal matter, which - as you would expect - we are not going to get into"

  • Allies of Reeves later say she was upset after an altercation with Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle - although no-one the BBC spoke to witnessed the interaction personally

  • The scenes in the Commons were noticed in the financial markets, with the cost of government borrowing subsequently rising, the BBC's Faisal Islam writes

  • At the same session of Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says people are "frightened" of tax rises and asks Starmer to rule them out

  • Starmer responds: "No prime minister or chancellor ever stands at the dispatch box and writes budgets in the future

  • Last night, the government's welfare bill was approved by 335 votes to 260 after ministers made last-minute concessions to avoid possible defeat

Reeves appears tearful during PMQs

Live Reporting

Edited by Emily Atkinson and Ben Hatton

  1. New amendment aimed at blocking government's bill signed by 39 Labour MPs

    Henry Zeffman
    Chief political correspondent

    Thirty-nine Labour MPs have signed a new amendment designed to block the government's welfare policies.

    Dame Meg Hillier has withdrawn her reasoned amendment which was at one stage supported by more than 120 Labour MPs.

    But a replacement amendment has been tabled by fellow Labour MP Rachael Maskell.

    That has attracted signatures from 39 Labour MPs overnight and 66 MPs in total. While a much smaller number than Hillier's amendment, it still suggests a sizeable Labour rebellion is likely today should a vote on the amendment take place.

    It is not certain that Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons Speaker, will select the amendment for a vote.

  2. MPs set for welfare bill vote showdown in Commons

    Starmer speaking in the CommonsReuters

    The prime minister pictured delivering a statement in the House of Commons last week

    Sir Keir Starmer faces the biggest rebellion of his premiership today when MPs vote on the government's proposed changes to the welfare system.

    Ministers were forced to partially U-turn on the initial plans in a bid to stave off a revolt from over 120 Labour MPs. But despite the concessions, dozens of Labour MPs look set to vote against the bill.

    The proposals would tighten the eligibility for personal independence payments (Pip) and the health element of universal credit. Last week, the government sought to defuse a rebellion by restricting changes to new claimants only.

    The Conservatives says they will be voting against the bill, while the Liberal Democrats have called for proposals to be suspended so they can be further looked at.

    Before all that - at 11:30 BST - we'll be answering your questions on the proposed changes, and what they mean for you.

    Stay with us for rolling coverage and analysis throughout the day.

  3. Labour MPs press Kendall on rollout of benefit changes

    Liz Kendall speaking at despatch box in House of CommonsHouse of Commons

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall faced repeated questions from Labour MPs over the rollout of changes to the benefit system today, as the government attempts to defuse a backbench rebellion.

    As part of a U-turn last week, the government said stricter eligibility criteria for getting the personal independence payment (Pip) would only apply to those claiming after November 2026, rather than existing claimants.

    It also promised a review into the assessment process in partnership with disability organisations, due to be completed in autumn 2026.

    But many Labour backbenchers have questioned the rationale for making changes to the qualifying criteria before the review was finished.

    MPs are due to vote on the government's welfare plans tomorrow - and, as our political correspondent Helen Catt writes, it's likely to be down to how the Labour rebels vote that decides whether the bill passes.

    We're pausing our live coverage now, but will be back here tomorrow for that vote.

    In the meantime, you can read more in our news story, our brief explainer on the proposed changes to Pip and universal credit and the BBC's economics editor Faisal Islam's analysis of the finances.

  4. What do the government's benefits plans mean for you?

    A Your Voice, Your BBC News graphic banner

    We've spent the last few hours reporting on the government's changes to its welfare plans - but what do they mean for you?

    We'll be answering your questions tomorrow from 11:30 BST. If you have a question you'd like us to answer, you can get in touch in the following ways:

     

    Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.

     In some cases a selection of your comments and questions will be published, displaying your name and location as you provide it unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published.  

  5. BBC Verify

    How many people claim disability benefits?

    By Ben Chu and Tom Edgington

    The government says reform is necessary to deal with an increase in the number of people claiming health-related benefits.

    In 2019 almost three million working-age adults in England and Wales claimed either disability or incapacity benefit - that's one in 13 of the population.

    As of March 2025, this had grown to about four million, or one in 10 of the population, according to research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

    The rise in claims for disability benefits since 2019 looks to have been largely driven by claimants citing a mental or behavioural condition as their main reason for applying.

    According to data from the IFS, claims in the “mental and behavioural disorders” category now account for 7.5% of all claims - up from around 4% in 2002.

    A bar chart showing the percentage of people claiming benefits for various kind of health and disability benefits. There has been a considerable increase in the number of people claiming for mental and behavioural conditions while other causes have been relatively stable.

  6. Conservatives confirm they will vote against the bill
    Breaking

    Helen Catt
    Political correspondent

    The Conservatives have just put the pressure on, and confirmed they will vote against the bill tomorrow.

    That’s more than 100 no votes in the bag, and it's now likely to be down to how Labour rebels vote that decides whether the bill passes.

  7. How have others reacted to today's announcement

    With Kendall's statement now wrapped up, let's take a look at what else was said:

    • For the Conservatives, shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately called Labour's plans a "chaotic compromise", saying they were rushed and contained no meaningful change
    • Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling described the government's proposals as a "leap into the dark", saying they could have "unintended consequences"
    • SNP MP Kirsty Blackman said the changes weren't in Labour's election manifesto last year - calling them "unpopular" and "wrong"
    • The Green Party's Adrian Ramsay said the proposals lacked competence and compassion
    • DUP MP Sammy Wilson described today's announcement as "cynical" and a "way of buying back the backbenchers"
    • And within the Labour party, Dame Meg Hillier thanked the government for "movement" but questioned the "rationale" behind the timing of the Pip changes
  8. Analysis

    Some concerns remain for MPs despite concessions

    Helen Catt
    Political correspondent

    Judging from the contributions to the debate this afternoon, the government's changes don't seem to have completely answered concerns.

    Liz Kendall has promised that disabled people will "co-produce" a review into Pip assessments, but it will only report back around the same time that new criteria will come into force.

    What's come across loud and clear is that the timing of that has raised questions for some MPs about how seriously disabled people's input will be taken.

    We'll have to see now whether that means they can't support the reforms tomorrow.

    For the Conservatives, meanwhile, the focus has been on the idea of a two-tier system being created, and the fact that the concessions mean there won't be as much money saved as originally planned.

  9. A quick look back at what Kendall said - in five points

    Kendall speaks in the House of CommonsHouse of Commons

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has just finished taking questions from MPs after detailing proposed changes to the government's plans to the welfare system. Here's a quick overview of what she said:

    • Kendall said that the government had "listened carefully" to concerns about its initial proposals, and are making "positive changes" as a result
    • Those changes, she said, include planned changes to Pip eligibility only applying to new claimants, and that the health-related universal credit top-up will no longer be frozen
    • The welfare system "must be fair" for those who need support, and for taxpayers, she said
    • Kendall also announced an extra £300m investment into employment support for sick and disabled people
    • And the new plans will introduce a "right to try", she said, which would allow people on benefits to try out working without risking a benefit reassessment

  10. MPs continue to quiz Kendall over welfare plans

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is still taking questions from MPs in the House of Commons.

    As a reminder, you can watch live by pressing the button at the top of the page. And we'll keep bringing you all the key lines as they happen.

  11. DUP MP criticises 'cynical' concessions following Labour rebellion

    Sammy WilsonHouse of Commons

    "Does she realise how cynical this appears," says DUP MP Sammy Wilson, talking about the concessions made to the welfare changes following a Labour rebellion - more on this here.

    He says "this is not about well thought out proposals, but simply a way of buying back the backbenchers".

    Kendall says leadership is about "listening to make sure that you get things right".

  12. Proposals lack competence and compassion, Green MP says

    Adrian RamsayHouse of Commons

    The Green Party's Adrian Ramsay says the government's proposals lack competence and compassion.

    He asks Kendall how she can justify people who might need support in the future not receiving the same support than those whose who do today.

    Kendall replies that the government's changes are "rooted in clear principles" - that those who can work should, and those who can't should be protected.

    She says that a fair and sustainable system is needed, and "I do not believe we can wait".

  13. Kendall questioned over whether changes were in Labour's election manifesto

    Kirsty BlackmanHouse of Commons

    SNP MP Kirsty Blackman asks why changes to the benefits system were not in Labour's manifesto ahead of last year's general election.

    "Is it perhaps because she realised how deeply unpopular and wrong these changes would be?" she asks.

    Kendall says reforming the benefits system was in their manifesto, adding that she is "beyond proud" that the government has also extended free school meals to help lift 100,000 children out of poverty.

  14. Analysis

    Labour MPs press Kendall over review timing

    Helen Catt
    Political correspondent

    Nearly every question from Labour MPs so far has been about why the government isn't waiting for its Timms review to report back before it goes ahead with making changes.

    In particular, they point to the decision that future claimants will have to score four points on any assessment to receive Pip.

    The report is due back in Autumn 2026 but the change is due to come in from November 2026.

    Could this turn out to be the biggest sticking point for those still making their mind up?

  15. Labour MP who tabled amendment thanks Kendall for 'movement'

    Meg HillierHouse of Commons

    Dame Meg Hillier - the Labour MP who tabled the amendment around which the Labour revolt has centred - is next up.

    She begins by thanking the work and pensions secretary for the "movement made in the last week".

    She asks Kendall to explain the "rationale" behind the the November 2026 deadline for the changes to the Pip assessment for new claimants, rather than following the wider Timms review.

    Kendall says she's grateful for Hillier's "engagement", and says the review will look at the points-based system and descriptors as part of a much wider assessment.

  16. Are discussions being had with Scotland, Labour MP asks

    Johanna BaxterHouse of Commons

    Scottish Labour MP Johanna Baxter asks what discussions are being had with the Scottish government over the changes.

    Kendall says the government's spending review has delivered an addition £9bn for Scotland, which she calls "the biggest ever settlement in the history of devolution".

    She adds that she hopes the SNP matches Labour's ambition to get more people into work, instead of cutting the employability budget "as they have done in previous years".

  17. Reforms a 'leap in the dark', Lib Dem says

    Steve DarlingHouse of Commons

    Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling is up next, and he starts by saying today's proposals are a "leap into the dark".

    He voices concerns that this is a "rushed proposal", which could have "unintended consequences".

    Darling says the Access to Work scheme - which aims to help people find, or stay in, work if they have a disability - needs to be fixed as "a matter of urgency".

    He asks what consultation has been done with carers.

    Kendall says, as part of Green Paper, Labour are looking to reform the Access to Work programme so it's available to more people in the future.

    "We passionately care about family carers", she adds, saying that existing Pip claimants will be protected as a result of the changes announced today, as well as carers.

  18. MP questions timing of Pip changes and review

    Debbie AbrahamsHouse of Commons

    Now it's time for questions from MPs. Debbie Abrahams, the chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, asks about the proposed changes to the Pip eligibility assessment.

    These changes are due to be introduced in November 2026 for new claimants, at which time a Pip review is also due to be undertaken, she says.

    Shouldn't the review determine the new process, she asks.

    Kendall says the government is committed to the wider Pip review, which will end in Autumn 2026, and after which any changes will be implemented as quickly as possible.

  19. Kendall says previous government's reforms 'completely failed'

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is back up to respond.

    She says it's no clearer following Whately's comments what the opposition's policy is, and says the previous government's efforts to reform the welfare state "completely failed".

    Kendall says the Conservatives left the system in a mess, and that Labour are now putting in place reforms that are fair for those who needs support, and to taxpayers.

  20. Whately outlines conditions for Tory support of bill

    Helen Whately goes on to say that the Conservatives agree with the need for reform to the system, and have set out the conditions under which they would support the government with their bill.

    These are:

    • That the welfare budget must come down
    • There is a need to get people back into work
    • There must be no new tax rises to pay for increases in welfare spending

    Whately asks if changes will be paid for through borrowing or taxation.