Sir Keir faces backlash over winter fuel cuts at TUC conference
Sir Keir defends winter fuel cuts amid trade union criticism
Sir Keir Starmer’s address at the Trade Union Congress marked the first time in 15 years a prime minister has spoken at the event. The trade union movement has long awaited a Labour government after years of Conservative rule. Despite this, the atmosphere in Brighton’s conference hall was notably subdued.
Delegates welcomed Sir Keir’s commitment to overturn restrictive union laws and enhance workers’ rights. However, the loudest applause came for a delegate questioning Sir Keir on child poverty, particularly his decision to retain the two-child benefit cap.
Union leaders Sharon Graham of Unite and Mick Lynch of the RMT voiced concerns over the proposed cuts to the winter fuel allowance for most pensioners. Carol Vorderman has also called for an apology from Sir Keir over this issue.
“We are going to have to be unpopular.”
~ Keir Starmer
Removing the winter fuel allowance from millions of pensioners isn’t just unpopular, it’s cruel. And meanwhile, taxpayers continue to pay for MPs’ energy costs in their second homes.#bbclaurakpic.twitter.com/mgDVyHI2BQ
— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) September 8, 2024
The vote on the winter fuel payment cut, spearheaded by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, is a critical test of Sir Keir’s authority. Despite Labour’s promises to bolster union power and workers’ rights, the focus has shifted to the “tough decisions” regarding future public sector pay and spending cuts. Downing Street remains firm on the winter fuel decision, with no plans for mitigation measures.
Senior Labour figures emphasise the party’s commitment to economic stability, which they believe was a key factor in their electoral success. However, figures like Mr Lynch and Ms Graham recall Labour’s pledge to end austerity. Mr Lynch highlighted that the austerity measure was one of the first actions taken by the government, contradicting their promises. Ms Graham criticised Sir Keir for targeting pensioners instead of the wealthy.
The tension between economic stability and austerity measures is expected to escalate as the budget approaches. Sir Keir narrowly won the vote on the winter fuel allowance, with 52 MPs abstaining, indicating growing divisions within the party.
Number 10 aims to avoid further conflict, with sources noting that many MPs were deliberately absent to avoid the vote. The internal strife within the “change government” is not the image Sir Keir wants to project. The recent events at the TUC and the winter fuel allowance rebellion suggest that the initial excitement of Labour’s landslide victory has faded. Sir Keir now hopes the country will continue to support him, even if his base remains sceptical.
What Other Media Are Saying
- News Sky reports that MPs have voted to cut the winter fuel payment for all but the country’s poorest pensioners, expected to save the exchequer £1.4bn this year.(read more)
- The Independent reports that Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, is prepared to be unpopular to restore public finances, citing tough decisions and unpopular measures like means-testing winter fuel payments.(read more)
- The Big Issue reports that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended the unpopular decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners not on benefits, citing the need for tough economic decisions and the guarantee of state pension increases.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Sir Keir Starmer’s speech at the Trade Union Congress significant?
He was the first prime minister in 15 years to address the TUC, signaling a
How did the delegates react to Sir Keir Starmer’s speech at the TUC?
Delegates seemed subdued, welcoming the pledges but expressing concern over unaddressed issues like child poverty.
What issue received the biggest cheer during Sir Keir Starmer’s speech at the TUC?
The biggest cheer came for the delegate questioning the two-child benefit cap and its impact on child poverty.
What is the controversy surrounding the winter fuel allowance?
The Labour government decided not to reverse the cut to the winter fuel allowance, causing backlash from union leaders.
What are union leaders Sharon Graham and Mick Lynch’s stance on Sir Keir Starmer’s policies?
They criticized the cuts to winter fuel allowance and urged reconsideration of measures affecting economic stability and austerity.
