Winter fuel payment live: Starmer faces PMQs grilling after Labour accused of ‘punishing’ pensioners

In: Politics
Sir Keir was accused of punishing pensioners but makes ‘no apologies’ for the controversial move (Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Sir Keir Starmer is set to face a grilling in prime minister’s questions after Labour faced criticism over cuts to winter fuel payments.

The party has been accused of punishing pensioners after MPs voted to cut the allowance for millions across the country.

Father of the House and former Tory minister Sir Edward Leigh called Sir Keir Starmer’s claims about the previous government’s financial decisions “absolute and complete rubbish”.

A Tory motion aimed at blocking the policy was rejected by MPs on Tuesday with a majority of 120.

The government insisted the proposed changes are needed to fill a £22 billion “black hole” in public finances left behind by previous Conservative governments.

The Winter Fuel Payment was introduced by Tony Blair’s government in 1997 and was expanded to all pensioners in 2000.

The new change will now mean that only those in receipt of pension credit or other certain benefits will continue to receive them.

Sir Edward said: “What the Labour government is now trying to do is make the political point that the Conservative Party ran the country into the ground.”

1726035379

The UK economy recorded no growth in July

Official figures have revealed there was no growth in the UK economy in July.

It comes after a month of no growth at all in the previous month, the Office for National Statistics said.

Responding to the latest figures, chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I am under no illusion about the scale of the challenge we face and I will be honest with the British people that change will not happen overnight.

“Two quarters of positive economic growth does not make up for fourteen years of stagnation.

“That is why we are taking the long-term decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy.”

Salma Ouaguira11 September 2024 07:16