Ministers step up efforts to quell growing rebellion over UK welfare bill

Whips increase pressure on MPs and No 10 drawing up contingency plans for ministerial changes as vote nears

The government is intensifying efforts to quell a growing rebellion over welfare cuts, with whips stepping up contact with MPs and strategists drawing up plans for a mini-reshuffle in case of resignations.

Ministers are taking a carrot-and-stick approach by laying out extra support for people who face losing their benefits, while also warning mutinous MPs of the consequences of voting against the plans.