Iain Watson
Political Correspondent at BBC
Political Correspondent, BBC - in a personal capacity. Author. Still worth saying - RTs aren't endorsements! Instagram: iain.watson
Articles
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2 days ago |
bbc.co.uk | Iain Watson |Henry Zeffman |Harry Farley
Opposition to the welfare cuts is genuine and heartfelt among many of the Labour sceptics. But there is an underlying environment that might make conditions ripe for rebellion. Study the names of those calling for a rethink. They include people with front bench experience in opposition who hoped or expected to become ministers – and were overlooked.
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2 days ago |
bbc.com | Iain Watson |Henry Zeffman |Harry Farley
Why Starmer faces a political storm over welfare reformsIain Watson, Henry Zeffman and Harry FarleyReutersBut a well-placed source told us it could still be pulled: "It's a live discussion."Conversations are continuing at the heart of government on the least worst course of action in the face of a significant backbench rebellion. More than 120 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment calling for the proposals to be scrapped, making an embarrassing defeat for the government possible.
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3 days ago |
bbc.co.uk | Henry Zeffman |Iain Watson |Chris Mason
Image source, PA MediaHenry Zeffman & Iain Watson & Chris MasonAll of a sudden, this is a grave crisis for Sir Keir Starmer, perhaps the gravest of his year in Downing Street so far. Politically, it looks very hard for the government to proceed with its flagship welfare policies. Economically, it is very hard to see how the government cannot proceed.
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3 days ago |
bbc.com | Henry Zeffman |Iain Watson |Chris Mason
Welfare rebellion to test Starmer like never beforeHenry Zeffman & Iain Watson & Chris MasonPA MediaAll of a sudden, this is a grave crisis for Sir Keir Starmer, perhaps the gravest of his year in Downing Street so far. Politically, it looks very hard for the government to proceed with its flagship welfare policies. Economically, it is very hard to see how the government cannot proceed.
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1 week ago |
bbc.com | Iain Watson
MP once on benefits calls cuts 'brutal' - but colleague says 'moral' case for reformIain WatsonChristina McSorleyBBCBritain's welfare system is broken. Just about every Labour MP – maybe every member of Parliament - agrees with this. But fixing the system is proving to be a problem. The most divisive decision taken so far by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is to restrict disabled people's eligibility for personal independence payments (Pip).
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In case you missed this over the bank holiday weekend: https://t.co/xawwh22A3l
Crawley MP Peter Lamb tells The Westminster Hour he'll vote against his own govt's PIP changes: "If they force a vote on something, when members are very clear that they will not vote for it, the outcome, rests entirely on their heads.”
Joining me tonight on The Westminster Hour @BBCRadio4 at 10 - Labour’s Meg Hillier, the Conservatives’ John Glen, and @PronouncedAlva & @benrileysmith Plus another @UKLabour MP says he can’t back the PIP reforms and defence minister Al Carns tell us about his Everest expedition