Another welfare row looms for Labour as MP signals ‘further reform’

• Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has called for "further reform" to Britain's welfare system, potentially setting the stage for another dispute with MPs over benefit cuts.
• This comes after the Government was forced to reverse most of its proposed welfare reforms in 2025 due to a significant rebellion from Labour backbenchers.
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s attempted welfare cuts would have saved the Government about £5bn a year.
• Ms Phillipson spoke to The Independent after the lifting of the two-child benefit cap this week, a move expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty, which she described as an investment in the country.
• Despite this change, she did not dismiss the possibility of further welfare cuts being considered by the Chancellor in the upcoming Budget.

IN FULL

Starmer braced for fresh row with Labour rebels over benefits cuts