The UK government has backed down on plans to cut disability and sickness benefits after a major rebellion by 126 Labour MPs, marking a significant blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's authority. Care Minister Stephen Kinnock announced a "staggered approach," with tighter eligibility rules now only applying to new claimants. The U-turn is the third in a month and follows other reversals, including reinstating a winter heating benefit and launching a national inquiry into child sex abuse. The original reforms aimed to save £5 billion but now face delays and adjustments to win parliamentary support.
