Sir Keir Starmer was forced to abandon a key plank of his welfare reform agenda to get the legislation through its first Commons test.In a late climbdown as MPs prepared to vote, the Government shelved plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip),

Keir Starmer backtracked on most of his welfare reforms in a bid to avoid a damaging rebellion that threatened to inflict a first defeat on the UK prime minister.

Sir Keir Starmer has been forced to abandon a key plank of his welfare reform package in the face of a Labour rebellion.The Government has shelved plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip) and any changes will now only come after a review of the benefit.