If there is one word government ministers normally hate to see in the headlines, it is “U-turn”. They think it makes them look weak and wobbly. But many Labour backbenchers, and even some ministers, will welcome suggestions that Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, is backing down on her controversial plan to freeze some benefits for the disabled as she seeks up to £6bn of savings in the welfare budget.
In the face of what is shaping up to be the biggest Labour backbench rebellion since Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister, Ms Kendall seems to have abandoned her plan not to raise the personal independence payment (PIP) for the disabled in line with inflation next year. Her change of heart is welcome, as the proposal would have penalised some of the most vulnerable in society.
