Labour Don't amend government bills, whips warn MPs

Labour MPs have been warned that they must not put down any amendments on government bills and must resolve disagreements privately with ministers, in a crackdown on discipline in parliament.

- Jessica Elgot

In a private message, seen by the Guardian, Labour whips told MPs amendments suggested a lack of trust in the government, and that MPs should speak with “one voice” in public. There are a number of bills where there is pressure for ministers to go further, such as the GB Energy and employment rights bills. But the whips said it was “not very helpful” for MPs to put amendments against their own government, adding: “We are not in opposition any more.”