Theresa May tries to head off Tory revolt ahead of crunch Universal Credit vote

Liz Bates

Theresa May is facing a Commons rebellion as Tory backbenchers consider backing Labour plans to pause the rollout of Universal Credit.



The Prime Minister was forced to meet with Tory rebels yesterday ahead of a crucial vote today, to discuss concerns over the Government’s flagship welfare reform.

Conservative MPs Heidi Allen, Sarah Wollaston and Johnny Mercer confronted the Prime Minister, arguing that a six-week delay for new Universal Credit claimants would force many into poverty.

However, the Guardian reports that they failed to secure a climb-down during the meeting.

This could lead to a showdown in the Commons later, with MPs set to debate a Labour motion that would pause the countrywide implementation of Universal Credit.

As many as 25 Tory MPs are reportedly threatening to vote against the Government, in a crucial test of Mrs May’s fragile working majority.

Shadow Work and Pensions Debbie Abrahams said: "The Government has so far not listened to MPs' concerns about the mounting issues with their flagship social security programme.

"We must stand together to make our voices heard.

"I urge Conservative MPs to vote with their conscience and support our motion to pause the roll out of Universal Credit."

But in an article for the Sun the Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke defended the policy: "We understand that for some people, that's a big change to how they manage their household budgets and their rent.

"That's why we have extensive personalised support for people who need extra help.

"No one in need should be left without money while they wait for their first payment."

Mr Gauke will appear in front of the Work and Pensions Committee this morning ahead of the crunch debate later.

Committee chair Frank Field said: "I am pleased, finally, to receive an answer to some of our questions. I am alarmed, however, by the response.

"The department has no idea about the operation of its flagship policy. For example, they do not know how many people are waiting eight, 10, 12 weeks for payment, or why.

"They don't and can't know if it's going right or wrong. It beggars belief that they decided to press ahead on this collision course totally in the dark."