In today’s newsletter: No 10 was expecting a handful of MPs to rebel against the controversial bill – but the number supporting an amendment to the bill could lead to a decisive defeat
Good morning. Last week, Downing Street was bracing for a painful rebellion of up to 50 MPs on the welfare reform bill that comes before the House of Commons next week. A couple of days later, government whip Vicky Foxcroft resigned, and the government insisted it was not a sign of serious trouble, referring to the rebels as “a handful”.
On Monday, an amendment that would put the bill on pause was published with the support of 108 MPs. And by last night, that number had risen to more than 120 – comfortably enough to create the most humbling day of Keir Starmer’s premiership, and throw the future of the government’s flagship welfare reforms into chaos.
Nato | Leaders of the 32 Nato countries have committed to investing 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. Donald Trump, who had complained that other nations were not paying their fair share, praised the move, adding: “Nato is going to become very strong with us”.
Iran | Senior White House officials claimed yesterday that “new intelligence” supported the claim that the US attack on Iran’s nuclear programme was a complete success despite a previous leaked intelligence assessment suggesting it was set back by only a few months. Donald Trump had earlier acknowledged that the intelligence was “inconclusive”.
Fertility | The proportion of women giving birth after fertility treatment in the UK has increased by more than a third in a decade, with the equivalent of one child in every classroom now born as a result of IVF, figures show. The number of women freezing their eggs also increased sharply, with cycles up from 4,700 in 2022 to 6,900 in 2023.
West Bank | Dozens of Israeli settlers have attacked a Palestinian West Bank town, sparking a confrontation that ended with Israeli forces killing three Palestinians.
Eurostar | Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced. The Dune and Arrival director’s appointment comes as the search continues for the actor who will replace Daniel Craig in the role.
