Andy Burnham challenges Labour MPs to reject welfare reforms

In the UK, on Monday, June 29, 2025, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposed welfare reforms at an event during the Glastonbury festival. He criticized the prime minister's plan, arguing that it would introduce unfairness among disabled individuals. Burnham labeled the government’s changes as a 'half U-turn' that fails to adequately address concerns. He urged Labour MPs to vote against the bill when it comes before Parliament, cautioning that supporting the reforms could lead to significant disparities in benefits for different claimants. Meanwhile, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced several concessions intended to mitigate backlash from Labour backbenchers. These included the assurance that current recipients of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) would not face the new eligibility criteria, though future claimants would receive reduced benefits. Government modelling predicted that these changes would push an additional 150,000 people into poverty by 2030 and would cost taxpayers approximately £2.5 billion, intensifying calls for further amendments to the welfare Bill. Alongside Burnham, other senior Labour figures, such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan, expressed their disapproval of the proposed reforms. Khan criticized the government for not doing enough to protect those dependent on welfare, emphasizing the importance of support for struggling individuals in London. He stated that the watered-down welfare Bill would further endanger vulnerable citizens and weaken existing safety nets. As Labour MPs prepared for a crucial vote on the welfare reforms, a proposed amendment by senior Labour backbencher Dame Meg Hillier received backing from 126 Labour MPs. This considerable support posed a potential challenge to party leader Sir Keir Starmer’s majority. The situation highlighted substantial divisions within the party regarding the approach to welfare reforms, especially against the backdrop of looming poverty-related issues orchestrated by potential policy changes.