A rebellion by Labour MPs against the government’s plans to slash the welfare budget has grown despite a concerted campaign to win over those opposed to the changes. In another huge blow for Keir Starmer,

Ministers are discussing the prospect of further concessions to win over a growing list of Labour MPs poised to rebel against planned welfare reforms ahead of a crunch vote next week.Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said talks between backbenchers and Government were “ongoing” on Wednesday night as Downing Street seeks to head off what would be Sir Keir Starmer’s first Commons defeat.