Ministers in talks over welfare concessions as Labour rebellion grows

Sir Keir Starmer faces a showdown with Labour MPs prepared to rebel against the Government’s welfare reforms - (PA Wire)

Ministers are discussing the prospect of further concessions to win over a growing list of Labour MPs poised to rebel against planned welfare reforms ahead of a crunch vote next week.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said talks between backbenchers and Government were “ongoing” on Wednesday night as Downing Street seeks to head off what would be Sir Keir Starmer’s first Commons defeat.