The Government is set to water down plans to reform the welfare system in a bid to win over Labour MPs threatening to rebel against controversial cuts to benefits. Downing Street said on Wednesday it was “engaging with colleagues” and “recognise[d] the strength of feeling”,

Labour MPs breaking with No 10 over cuts to benefits are weighing the likelihood of a confidence vote in Keir Starmer if a vote on Tuesday goes ahead. More than 120 rebels have signed on to a ‘reasoned amendment’ calling for the government’s flagship welfare bill to be scrapped – more than enough to overturn Labour’s huge majority.