LEFT MPs inside and outside the Labour Party were preparing to rebel against government welfare cuts once more last night.

Ministers were rushing to get the much-diminished welfare Bill through the Commons, as the Morning Star went to press, in the teeth of continued resistance from disabled people’s organisations.

While last week’s massive rebellion by Labour backbenchers scuppered £5 billion worth of planned cuts to personal independence payments for disabled people, more cuts remain in the truncated legislation.

Independent Zarah Sultana said that MPs were being asked to endorse “proposals that include a £2 billion attack on the sick and disabled.”

She warned that “750,000 of the poorest could lose £3,000 a year from cruel cuts to universal credit. Once again, I’ll be voting against. I’m in politics to make people’s lives better, not worse.”

The Bill raises the standard rate of universal credit, benefiting around 2.25 million households by an average of £265 a year, but 754,000 disabled people will lose around £3,000 a year due to cuts in the health element for new claimants.

Forty-nine Labour MPs finally opposed the government last week and rebels were hopeful, though uncertain, today that the same number could be reached again.  

Disabled organisations were set to rally outside the Commons as the vote neared.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also faces the prospect of a further rebellion over planned cuts to provision for children with special educational needs.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey confronted him on the issue in the Commons, telling Sir Keir the current system of support for children with special educational needs was in “desperate need of repair.”

Mr Davey said parents were “understandably worried” about the prospect of an overhaul while Labour MPs were already “planning another rebellion.”