Political commentator Kitty Donaldson has warned that Labour rebels are awaiting two key statements before Tuesday's crucial welfare vote, with around 50 MPs still prepared to oppose the legislation despite Government concessions.
The rebellion originally involved up to 120 Labour MPs who opposed the welfare bill's proposals to tighten eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment and reduce the health-related component of Universal Credit.
Speaking to GB News, Political commentator at The i newspaper, Kitty Donaldson said: "I think Starmer will still get it through because the Tories have said in principle they'll support it tomorrow.
"You're right, 50 seems to be about the number everyone's quoting. I've been on the phone to rebels this morning they're all waiting for two things.
Kitty Donaldson has revealed that Labour rebels are awaiting two key statements before Tuesday's crucial welfare vote
GB NEWS
"One is a written ministerial statement coming shortly from Stephen Timms, the DWP minister, setting out details of a review into future welfare changes.
"The second is an oral statement from Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who’ll talk them through the changes and concessions made last week.
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"That concession, which came around midnight on Friday morning, bought off around 60 of the 120 MPs who were previously set to vote against the Bill.
"Some rebels are still saying they're really unhappy. One said to me, 'We're all only a day away from becoming disabled ourselves.'
"So there's concern about future-proofing this legislation. They’re also worried about how quickly it's being rushed through with the second reading tomorrow and the committee stage next week.
"More amendments are likely. So yes, around 50 are still unhappy, it's a substantial rebellion, but not enough to stop the Government."
Despite the concessions, a Government impact assessment has revealed that 150,000 additional working-age adults will still be pushed into relative poverty as a result of the welfare reforms.
This represents a reduction from the original assessment, which estimated that 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, would face poverty under the initial proposals before Sir Keir Starmer was forced to water down the measures.
The Prime Minister is mounting a last-minute effort to win over the remaining Labour rebels ahead of Tuesday's vote.
However, pressure continues to mount as dozens of his own MPs remain unconvinced by the Government's attempts to soften the impact of the cuts.
Keir Starmer will continue talks with the rebels
PAWork and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the reforms, stating: "We must build a welfare system that provides security for those who cannot work and the right support for those who can.
"Too often, disabled people feel trapped and worried that if they try to work, they could lose the support they depend on."
She added: "That is why we are taking action to remove those barriers, support disabled people to live with dignity and independence, and open routes into employment for those who want to pursue it."
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