Those opposed to the Government’s proposed £5bn cuts to disability and incapacity benefits have insisted that warnings of suspension or exclusion from ministerial roles are unlikely to deter them from voting down the plans.
Some Labour MPs are now accusing party whips of deploying threats rather than building consensus to prevent a growing rebellion.
They went on to claim that if MPs were stripped of the whip en masse, they could form a new party dubbed “Labour 2”.
He said the whips had been “doing the rounds” among potential rebels but warned that the stakes were too high for many to fall in line.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall says the welfare system needs reform (Photo: PA)
A third Labour MP who is opposed to the cuts said they had only had “casual” conversations with the whips about their position, but expected a “firmer hand” in the future.
Reports in The Times suggest that MPs have been told that they could be blacklisted from future Government jobs if they fail to fall in line over the benefit changes.
Dozens of MPs have already publicly signalled they will not vote for the changes, with several gathering for a photo outside Parliament on Wednesday holding placards stating: “I’m voting no to disability cuts”.
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The rebellion is focused on reforms first proposed by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall in March under the Government’s welfare Green Paper.
Rebels have called for major changes to the legislation, including full impact assessments, a review of PIP eligibility criteria, and the restoration of targeted employment programmes for people with disabilities.
“Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it,” she said.
No 10 and the Whips’ Office have been contacted for comment.
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