Labour MPs are gearing up for battle with the leadership over the Welfare Reform Bill, which is being introduced in the House of Commons later.

The prime minister is gearing up for a political fight over welfare reform

Labour MPs are gearing up for battle with the leadership over the Welfare Reform Bill, which is being introduced in the House of Commons later.

A crunch vote on the government's new welfare legislation - seen as a test of strength for the PM - has been slated for July 1.

Senior ministers including Deputy PM Angela Rayner have refused to rule out stripping party MPs of the whip if they oppose changes to payments for disabled people.

Ministers mount charm offensive amid fears of Government defeat on cuts