On July 1, 2025, the UK Parliament approved Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's welfare reform legislation. The House of Commons voted 335 to 260 in favor of the bill, which aims to reduce welfare expenditure.
However, the victory was marred by significant internal dissent within the Labour Party. Forty-nine members rebelled against the reforms, marking the largest parliamentary dissent of Starmer's tenure. The proposed reforms seek to tighten eligibility for disability benefits.
In response to opposition, the government made concessions, including applying the new requirements only to future applicants and delaying implementation. Despite these adjustments, the projected savings were reduced. The internal party rebellion raises questions about Starmer's leadership and the government's ability to implement its agenda.