A significant number of Labour MPs are considering abstaining from a crucial vote on winter fuel allowance cuts, amid internal party dissent and concerns over the policy’s impact on pensioners

The Labour Party faces potential unrest as up to 50 MPs are rumoured to be considering abstention or absence from Tuesday’s vote on the controversial plan to cut the winter fuel allowance. Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging his colleagues to support the measure, the proposal has sparked significant discontent within the party.

Starmer, in his first major interview since becoming Prime Minister, described the proposed cut as “unpopular” but necessary to address a projected £22 billion fiscal shortfall. The plan involves reducing the winter fuel payment to only the most financially disadvantaged pensioners, a move expected to save nearly £1.5 billion annually.

The discontent among Labour MPs mirrors past party rebellions, such as the recent instance where seven MPs had the whip suspended for voting against the government’s stance on the two-child benefit cap. This time, many MPs are contemplating abstention as a less confrontational form of dissent, rather than outright rebellion, which could result in their expulsion from the party.

One Labour MP suggested that abstention might be a strategic choice, allowing dissenting MPs to remain within the party’s fold while expressing their dissatisfaction. The MP characterized abstention as a form of “new rebellion,” emphasizing that it could be a more manageable way to signal dissent without severing ties with the party.

Despite the expected majority in favor of the cut, a significant number of absences could underscore the depth of internal opposition. Critics of the policy argue that it may alienate voters and harm the party’s reputation. One MP described the situation as a “shitshow,” reflecting frustration over the handling of the issue.

Starmer has not clarified the potential repercussions for MPs who defy the party line, deferring such decisions to the chief whip. In his interview with BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer stressed the importance of making difficult decisions and pointed out that the measure aligns with the government’s broader fiscal strategy. He argued that the winter fuel cut is a tough but necessary step to address the economic challenges faced by the country.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed Starmer’s sentiments, acknowledging the policy’s unpopularity but defending it as a necessary sacrifice for long-term fiscal health. Streeting expressed his discomfort about the policy but emphasized the need to make difficult choices to avoid a larger financial burden in the future.

The debate over the winter fuel allowance has also revealed concerns about the policy’s impact on pensioners, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Twelve Labour MPs have signed an early day motion expressing alarm at the proposed cuts, including several who had previously had the whip suspended.

John McDonnell, a prominent Labour figure, has threatened to rebel against the policy unless the government provides assurances that it will not adversely affect his constituents. McDonnell’s stance highlights the broader concerns among MPs about the practical implications of the cut on older individuals.

Amid the political turmoil, there have been discussions about potential remedies to mitigate the impact of the cuts. However, No 10 officials have indicated that no additional support measures are planned beyond the existing household support fund and pension credit promotions. Critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that the bureaucracy involved in claiming pension credit may deter many eligible individuals from applying.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, faces the challenge of addressing MPs at a Labour Party meeting on Monday evening. She must navigate the delicate task of reinforcing the necessity of fiscal sacrifices while managing the discontent among her colleagues. The outcome of the meeting will be crucial in determining whether open dissent will emerge and how Labour will handle the internal discord.

BBC

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure from unions over his decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners in England and Wales. The plan will see payments of £200 to £300 a year discontinued for those not on low incomes or receiving specific benefits, affecting more than 10 million pensioners.

Leaders from Unite and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have criticized the policy. Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, argues that the cut is a mistake and calls for a wealth tax as an alternative to bolster government finances. Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, expressed concerns about the impact of means testing but stopped short of demanding a reversal of the decision. Fran Heathcote of PCS warned that continued cuts to benefits could provoke industrial action from low-paid workers.

Starmer defended the policy, describing it as a necessary measure to address a £22 billion deficit inherited from the previous government. He acknowledged the unpopularity of the decision but emphasized the need to confront fiscal challenges head-on. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has supported the cut as a means to fill the financial shortfall, though the Conservatives have challenged this claim.

In response, some Labour MPs are contemplating rebellion, with up to 50 potentially opposing the policy or abstaining from the vote. An early day motion criticizing the cut has been signed by 27 MPs, including 11 from Labour. While the vote is expected to pass, Starmer has not yet indicated how he might handle dissent within his party.

The Scottish government also plans to end universal winter fuel payments, though this policy does not affect Cold Weather Payments or the Warm Home Discount scheme.

SKY NEWS

This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour government face several critical issues:

1. Winter Fuel Payments: On Tuesday, MPs will vote on a proposal to limit winter fuel payments to pensioners receiving pension credit, affecting over 10 million pensioners. This change, announced in July, has faced backlash from within the party and outside. Some Labour MPs, especially those from the left, may abstain from the vote rather than oppose it, following recent party discipline measures.
2. TUC Conference: On Tuesday, Starmer will speak at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) conference. Union leaders, including Sharon Graham from Unite, have criticized the fuel payment cuts and are calling for a wealth tax as an alternative. The TUC conference will be a platform for discussing these contentious issues.
3. Prisoner Releases: The government will begin releasing the first batch of prisoners early on Tuesday to alleviate overcrowding. This includes some serious offenders serving time for lesser crimes. Concerns have been raised about the handling of domestic abuse cases and the general impact of this policy. Starmer has defended the decision, blaming the previous Conservative administration for inadequate prison infrastructure.
4. NHS Report: On Thursday, a report by Lord Darzi will be published, detailing issues within the NHS, particularly concerning children’s health and heart disease. Starmer has criticized the Conservatives’ handling of the NHS, describing it as “broken.”
5. US Trip: To conclude the week, Starmer will travel to Washington DC for a meeting with President Joe Biden. Discussions will cover ongoing issues in Ukraine and the Middle East. Starmer has addressed concerns about US reactions to the UK’s suspension of some arms sale licenses to Israel, asserting that the suspension was not a source of tension with the US.

THE TELEGRAPH

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Labour government’s plan to cut winter fuel payments, acknowledging the adverse effects on many constituents. The policy, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, proposes restricting the £200-£300 annual winter fuel payment to pensioners on pension credit. This change will impact around 10 million pensioners, with Streeting conceding the policy’s negative impact while defending it as necessary due to the economic situation left by the previous Conservative government.

Labour MPs are expected to rebel against the policy, with up to 40 planning to abstain from the vote and a few potentially voting against it, risking suspension from the party. This potential rebellion follows Starmer’s decision to suspend seven MPs for opposing the two-child benefit cap, creating a precedent that may deter dissent.

Union leaders and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have criticized the policy, calling for alternative measures such as a wealth tax. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak has urged Chancellor Reeves to provide additional support for poorer pensioners in the Budget to offset the policy’s impact.

Concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of the cuts, with historical research suggesting that similar reductions could lead to increased deaths among pensioners during winter. Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell echoed these concerns, emphasizing the risks involved.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the cuts as part of necessary tough decisions for economic stability, despite acknowledging the difficulty and unpopularity of the policy. The upcoming vote and the surrounding debate reflect ongoing tensions within the Labour Party and the challenge of balancing economic constraints with social impacts.