Massive concessions' on welfare bill win over key Labour rebels

Cuts watered down in major U-turn to avoid Commons defeat for PM

- Pippa Crerar Kiran Stacey Jessica Elgot

Keir Starmer has offered Labour MPs "massive concessions" on his controversial welfare bill in a move that has won over key rebels and is likely to have saved the prime minister from a damaging Commons defeat next week.

Leading MPs told the Guardian yesterday that they had been promised significant changes that would cost the government several billion pounds over the next few years but would shore up the prime minister's precarious authority.

The compromises on the planned measures, which are understood to include applying the changes only to new claimants and further consultation on the most controversial cuts to disability benefits, were offered during a tense day of talks with Downing Street.

They mark a major U-turn from Starmer, who had insisted for weeks he would not change course but was forced to back down after more than 120 Labour MPs threatened to kill the bill. One frontbencher had already quit over the plans, while others were understood to be prepared to do so if agreement had not been reached.

One of those leading the opposition to the bill said: "They've offered massive concessions, which should be enough to get the bill over the line at second reading."

Another added: "We always wanted to protect the most vulnerable, not to destroy the bill or cause the government trouble. We always hoped there would be an off-ramp, and that's what we have now."

More hardline rebels were urging their centrist colleagues not to drop their objections, but with ministers insisting they would go ahead with the vote on Tuesday, more moderate MPs were understood to be backing the government's proposals. Sources say all select committee chairs are now supporting the prime minister.

Downing Street has declined to comment.