PM backs welfare reforms' 'right balance' after U-turn

SIR Keir Starmer has said his welfare reforms now strike “the right balance” after he U-turned in the face of a major backbench rebellion.

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Speaking for the first time after Downing Street agreed a series of concessions on its welfare policy, the Prime Minister said the climb-down followed a “constructive discussion” with Labour rebels.

He told broadcasters yesterday: “The most important thing is that we can make the reform we need.

“We talked to colleagues, who've made powerful representations, as a result of which we've got a package which I think will work, we can get it right.

“For me, getting that package adjusted in that way is the right thing to do, it means it’s the right balance, it’s common sense that we can now get on with it.”