Ministers struggle to quell MP concerns over benefit cuts

At Prime Minister's Questions Sir Keir Starmer declared that payment betterment was a "moral issue", portion the seasoned left-wing MP Diane Abbott argued determination was "nothing motivation astir cutting the benefits of millions of people".

Their divisions were precise publically evident.

But astir MPs who had concerns expressed them down closed doors.

Around 100 MPs attended a briefing by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and curate Sir Stephen Timms.

The BBC has contacted immoderate of those who had been disquieted astir caller restrictions to Personal Independence Payments (Pips), and Wednesday's gathering has not neutralised their opposition.

One MP said it had raised much questions than answers.

And immoderate felt the cuts were being made earlier different Labour policies which could assistance radical into enactment – from cutting NHS waiting lists to increasing the system – had travel to fruition.

Kendall besides addressed a virtual gathering of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee and its National Policy Forum, which was arranged astatine abbreviated notice.

There was small speech of morality astatine this meeting.

While astir of those contiguous were sympathetic to the request to hole the payment system, attendees were much focussed connected how, politically, the reforms could beryllium sold connected the doorstep.

Some left-wing and national representatives complained that they hadn't been allowed to lend contempt indicating that they had wanted to question the enactment and pensions secretary.

One of those contiguous told the BBC: "This gathering was intelligibly called to quell our concerns – it surely didn't bash that."

The changes connected Pips for radical with disabilities volition necessitate authorities and votes successful Parliament successful owed course.

There is small uncertainty that with a ample majority, the reforms volition walk - but the task of preventing a rebellion successful Labour's ranks intelligibly requires much work.

The Conservatives haven't decided whether to ballot with the authorities connected the changes.

Liberal Democrat person Sir Ed Davey has accused the authorities of "stirring up fearfulness and anxiety" by failing to supply capable item astir its payment reforms.