Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure within his own party after firmly ruling out reversing the cuts to winter fuel payments that affect millions of pensioners. Labour MPs and campaigners alike warn that refusing to reinstate these payments could have serious political consequences, especially after recent local election setbacks.
The controversy intensified following Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s admission that dissatisfaction over the winter fuel payment reductions negatively impacted Labour’s performance in local elections. Notably, Labour suffered a heavy defeat in Runcorn and Helsby, a seat previously considered safe, losing ground to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Many insiders attribute this loss directly to the unpopular policy.
Despite these warnings, Downing Street quickly dismissed rumours of a policy reversal or adjustments to the current £11,500 income threshold for eligibility. They stood behind Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s decision last summer to introduce means-testing, calling it a difficult but necessary measure for economic stability and public finance recovery.
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An official spokesperson reiterated the government’s position: “The policy is set out. There will be no change to the government policy, which was a difficult decision taken to ensure economic stability and repair the public finances following the £22 billion shortfall left by the previous administration.”
Campaigners are not convinced. Dennis Reid from the Silver Voices group urges the government to admit its mistake and restore the payments before the next winter. He warns that ignoring the issue risks turning winter fuel payments into a long-term electoral liability for Labour. Reid compared the situation to the “totemic Starmer poll tax equivalent,” highlighting widespread public support for reinstatement evident in local election doorsteps.
Labour MP Ian Byrne of Liverpool West Derby strongly criticized the party’s stance, calling it a “tone deaf response.” He stressed that without meaningful policies to improve the economic circumstances faced by many working-class voters after 14 years of austerity, Labour risks handing further gains to Reform UK. Byrne urged the party leadership to reconsider, warning of the dangers posed by a potential far-right government if the current course continues.
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan also weighed in, acknowledging the policy as a recurring voter concern and expressing hope that the UK Government will reassess its position.
Despite the internal dissent and electoral warnings, Starmer’s press secretary emphasized Labour’s commitment to its current policy path, stating: “We were elected as a stable and serious party after 14 years of chaos and decline. We won’t be blown off course, and it is this mindset and focus that have enabled us to make progress.”
As debate continues and pressure mounts, the question remains: Has Keir Starmer made the right call in standing firm on winter fuel payments? The conversation is open for you to share your views.