Labour MPs threaten to rebel over benefit cuts

More than 40 Labour MPs have warned the prime minister that planned disability cuts are "impossible to support" and have called for a pause and change in direction.

- Jessica Elgot and Peter Walker

The letter from parliamentarians spanning the new intake and veterans - from the left and right of the party - sets Keir Starmer up for the biggest rebellion of his tenure when the House of Commons votes on the measures next month.

Concern is widespread among Labour MPs about the proposed changes, including the tightening of eligibility for personal independence payments (Pips), saving £5bn annually. They would also involve cuts or freezes to incapacity benefits for universal credit applicants judged unfit to work.

According to internal Department for Work and Pensions forecasts, the planned disability benefit cuts would affect 700,000 families who are already in poverty.

A vote on the proposals is expected in June and some MPs are concerned they are being asked to approve the plans without proper knowledge of the consequences. The letter has so far been signed by 42 Labour MPS, putting the government on course for its biggest rebellion yet.

The proposals, set out in a government green paper, have "caused a huge amount of anxiety and concern among disabled people and their families", according to the letter.