Almost 50 MPs to rebel over welfare cuts as Labour revolt grows

ITV News understands 49 Labour MPs are set to vote against the plans, while a number of senior backbenchers have warned government of their concerns.

Almost 50 Labour MPs are set to rebel against government plans to radically change the welfare system, paving the way for the prime minister’s biggest revolt yet.

ITV News has been tracking how Labour MPs plan to vote, and understands 49 will go against the government’s plans to slash benefits for millions of people.

That number includes 42 who signed a letter last week saying the disability cuts were “impossible to support”, urging the government change course.

A number of senior backbench MPs who work as Parliamentary Private Secretaries (PPS) to ministers have also expressed concern about the changes, ITV News understands.

Other senior party figures are anxious about the size of a rebellion, saying “it is a problem”, “we are talking large numbers”, and “[the government] need to bring something forward”.

In a sign Downing Street are concerned, government whips have made the unusual move of already indicating to potential rebels that they can be absent for the vote and therefore abstain.