Overview

• Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigned as a government whip, saying she cannot back reforms that cut disability benefits.
• At least 40 MPs have publicly vowed to defy party orders and vote against the bill tightening Personal Independence Payments eligibility.
• Keir Starmer and Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall held private meetings with concerned MPs ahead of the planned early July vote.
• A Department for Work and Pensions impact assessment warns that around 800,000 PIP claimants could lose an average of £4,500 per year under the new rules.
• The government has pledged a £1 billion support fund and a three-month transition payment to help affected claimants move towards employment.