Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has defended cutting winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, despite rising calls for a policy reversal. Around 45 Labour MPs from northern England and the Midlands have joined critics urging the government to rethink the cuts. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on Starmer to “listen to his own party and change course.”
The winter fuel payment, once available to all pensioners, is now restricted to those on pension credit or income-based benefits. This change, introduced last year, aimed to save £1.4 billion. As a result, nearly nine million pensioners no longer qualify for the £200-£300 lump sum.
Last week’s local election results dealt a blow to Labour. The party lost two-thirds of the council seats it defended and even lost the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by just six votes. Some blame the fuel payment cuts for Labour’s struggles at the polls.
In Parliament, Badenoch pressed the prime minister to admit the policy was wrong. Starmer responded by saying, “The number one job of this government was to put our finances back in order after the last government lost control.” He emphasized that his government had stabilized the economy and reaffirmed the triple lock on pensions.
Badenoch shot back, saying, “The only black hole is the one the prime minister is digging,” adding that many vulnerable pensioners were hurt by the cuts. She noted criticism from Starmer’s own party, including from Doncaster’s mayor and Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also urged Starmer to reconsider, saying voters had sent a clear message last week. Within Labour, some MPs see a policy reversal as a crucial signal that the prime minister is listening. However, those closer to government circles doubt reversing course now would bring political benefit.
Meanwhile, attention may soon shift to controversial disability benefit reforms. Changes to the Personal Independence Payment are set for a House of Commons vote next month. Though Labour’s majority ensures the vote will pass, the issue risks fueling broader public dissatisfaction.
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