Rayner backs beleaguered Starmer over benefits reform as Labour rebellion grows

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The deputy prime minister insisted the government will not back down over its planned vote on welfare reform next Tuesday

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Angela Rayner has broken cover to publicly back Keir Starmer’s controversial welfare reforms amid a growing rebellion of Labour MPs that threatens to topple the bill.

The deputy prime minister was filling in for Sir Keir at PMQs, while he is at the Nato summit, and insisted the controversial reforms would help “millions trapped in a failing [welfare] system”.