Labour grills PM on welfare and tax plans

Prime Minister's Questions: Labour Rebellion & Welfare Reforms

Background:

• Labour MPs are threatening rebellion over the government's proposed welfare reforms.
• Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride called for Labour MPs to commit to reducing welfare costs and raising taxes.

Highlights:

• Rayner vows to proceed with welfare vote: Despite pressure from rebels, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed that the welfare bill will be voted on as scheduled on Tuesday.
• Strides demands guarantees: Stride urged Rayner to guarantee that the government will help people move from benefits to work.
• Rayner counters tax claims: Rayner accused the Conservatives of introducing the highest tax rises in decades, despite claiming otherwise.
• Tensions rise in the chamber: The debate was marked by jeers, heckling, and accusations from both sides.

Key Quotes:

• "We will go ahead on Tuesday" - Angela Rayner (on welfare vote)
• "I have a great deal in common with the Chancellor - we both disagree with his tax policies" - Mel Stride (on taxes)
• "The Conservatives choose unfunded tax cuts for the very wealthiest" - Angela Rayner (on tax cuts)

Future:

• The fate of the welfare reforms remains uncertain, with the government facing significant internal opposition.
• Eyes are now on Tuesday's vote to see if the government can secure enough votes to pass the bill.