Labour MPs face a moral dilemma regarding welfare bill concessions that keep benefits for existing claimants but deny future aid. Liz Kendall attempted to quell rebellion among her backbenchers, as Labour members searched for reasons to support their government amidst internal conflict. The Conservative party remained largely disengaged from the welfare discussion, highlighting a stark contrast in engagement. This situation reflects a persistent struggle within Labour, balancing the desire for reform against the consequences of increasing poverty.
On Monday, Liz Kendall laid out her measures to try to mitigate the rebellion on her own backbenches that could have sunk the welfare bill at second reading. Labour MPs wrestled with their consciences as they sought a way to salve their conscience by voting for the concessions offered on the welfare bill, despite their moral implications.
It's a question of morality. Either you think no one deserves the full personal independence payments or that everyone does. It's that binary.
Those who had not come into politics to tip another 150,000 into poverty were faced with a decision that involved accepting collateral damage for what they hoped would be a brighter future.
The Conservative benches were almost empty. Welfare isn't really their thing. On this day, Labour MPs grappled with difficult choices, while Tory MPs seemed disengaged from the welfare debate.
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