Rayner defends benefit reforms as Starmer vows vote will go ahead: Live

The prime minister has belatedly been making the case for benefit reform and changes to PIP payments to calm his mutinous backbenchers – but, a year on from his historic election win, it risks becoming an issue of confidence in his leadership, says Andrew Grice.

The Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

Angela Rayner has kept up the tradition of Labour using PMQs to attack Nigel Farage.

In an obviously planted question, the deputy prime minister was asked about the Reform UK leader’s recent pledge to offer non-doms a “Britannia card” to avoid tax on overseas earnings.

It would cost the Treasury as much as £34bn in lost revenue, according to tax experts.Ms Rayner said that Mr Farage’s “mask had slipped” with the policy.

She said: “The member for Clacton demands billions of pounds of unfunded tax cuts for the richest while marching through the lobbies to vote against higher pay for the lowest earners.”

PMQs has now finished, after the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn asked the final question.

He told the chamber how 86 people were killed in Gaza on Tuesday by Israeli forces, including 56 near aid distribution centres.

He asked the deputy prime minister Angela Rayner: “How is it that this country has got to this situation where we stand on the wrong side of international law when war crime and genocide are concerned.”

He asked if she would support his private member’s bill calling for an independent inquiry into UK’s role in Gaza.

Rayner responded by calling Israel’s military action “appalling” and outlined sanctions the government has already imposed.

The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:

It is noticeable that Labour MPs are desperate to avoid the proverbial elephant in the room.

Seven questions down from Labour in PMQs are asking about anything but the welfare form bill even though 122 of them have signed up to a major rebellion.

It is noticeable that on the Tories and Lib Dems want to discuss the government’s discomfort on the benefits reform.

Maybe it is because Angela Rayner instead of Keir Starmer is taking the question but more likely none of them want to become a target for the party whips.

The Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:

Debbie Abrahams chairs the work and pensions committee and is leading a massive rebellion over welfare reform.

But given the opportunity to ask a question on the issue she completely ducked it and instead asked Angela Rayner about the housing budget.

For someone in the midst of a major fight with her own government in a powerful position this was a big miss.

The Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

Angela Rayner has refused to repeat a promise made by Rachel Reeves ruling out any further tax hikes this autumn.

The deputy prime minister was challenged by Mel Stride to “give businesses the certainty” previously offered by the chancellor and assure them she is “not coming back for more taxes”.

Responding to Mel Stride at PMQs, Ms Rayner simply said it is “a bit rich” for the Conservatives to demand reassurance on tax.

“Unbelievable, inflation above 11 per cent, the biggest tax rises by their party,” Ms Rayner said.

Mr Stride highlighted her refusal to repeat the promise not to raise taxes.

The Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:

Mel Stride opened PMQs with a dig at Angela Rayner stepping in for Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs for the second week in a row.

There are many backbenchers who wish she could take the prime minister’s position permanently, the shadow chancellor said.

It is true, faith in Sir Keir among Labour MPs and members is waning, and many would prefer a more radical approach led by Ms Rayner going forwards.

This week’s PMQs have kicked off in the Commons.

Angela Rayner has stepped in for Sir Keir Starmer, who is meeting with Nato allies in the Hague.

The session began with Rayner updating the house on efforts to deescalate tensions between Israel and Iran and said the situation in Gaza remains “of the gravest concerns”

She will face questions from he Tory shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who is stepping in for Kemi Badenoch.