Legacy of PM at stake over welfare changes - MP

A Labour MP has warned that Sir Keir Starmer's legacy is at stake if proposed changes are made to the benefits system.

Clive Lewis made the comments after the prime minister said he believed the current welfare system was "unsustainable" and vowed to press ahead, despite a growing rebellion from Labour backbenchers.

The Norwich South MP said Sir Keir needed to "think about what he wants his legacy to be" - and urged him to "rethink" the reforms.

He said he supported welfare reform but disagreed with the current approach, adding: "You don't start with a cut and work backwards."

More than 120 Labour MPs have signed up to an effort to block plans to cut disability and sickness-related benefits payments to save £5bn a year by 2030.

The government estimates that 3.2 million families will be worse off due to changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC), while 3.8 million families are expected to benefit.

Lewis told the BBC he believed the reforms would "push people into abject poverty", stating that the principles behind them were "not Labour values".

He warned that the measures would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, adding that the prime minister should consider "what he wants his legacy to be".

Dozens of Labour MPs have raised concerns about the bill, particularly its potential impact on disabled people.

Their amendment could trigger a vote on a proposal to reject the bill in its entirety.

The threatened rebellion is enough to wipe out the government's working majority in Parliament.

Backers include former transport secretary Louise Haigh and Vicky Foxcroft, who resigned as a government whip in protest at the plans.

MPs from all parties are due to vote on the bill on Tuesday 1 July.

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