UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made a dramatic U-turn on controversial plans to cut support for people with disabilities, following widespread backlash from Labour MPs, disability advocates, and the public.
In March 2025, the government proposed tightening eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a key benefit for people living with disabilities. The reforms would have made it harder for new applicants to qualify and were expected to affect over a million claimants by 2030.
The proposal sparked outrage within Starmer’s own party, with over 120 Labour MPs threatening to rebel. High-profile figures including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, MP Diane Abbott, and former shadow minister Vicky Foxcroft, who resigned in protest, all voiced strong opposition. Disability rights groups also raised alarms, warning of deep financial harm to vulnerable individuals.
Under pressure, the government has now rolled back key parts of the plan. Existing PIP recipients will retain their payments, and future changes will be phased in gradually. A new review of the assessment process, involving disability organisations, will be led by MP Stephen Timms.
The reversal comes ahead of a key parliamentary vote on July 1, and significantly reduces the projected savings from the original plan.
