Sir Keir Starmer Faces Backlash Over Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

Labour MPs Express Concern Over Economic Impact

Sir Keir Starmer is facing internal party backlash for his decision to cut winter fuel payments to pensioners, with Labour MPs expressing fears that his gloomy warnings on the economy could hinder growth.

Backbencher Criticizes Decision

Backbencher Neil Duncan Jordan criticized the move, stating that it does not consider the modest incomes of those just above the pension credit threshold. He argued that there has not been enough time to implement an effective campaign for the elderly to claim pension credit, which can amount to £3,900 a year.

Call for Reversal of Cuts

Neil Duncan-Jordan publicly called for the Prime Minister to reconsider axing winter fuel handouts to millions of pensioners, suggesting a delay until a comprehensive strategy is in place to address fuel poverty, health inequalities, and low incomes among older people.

Gloomy Economic Warnings

While Sir Keir defended the decision, stating the need for tough measures to deliver change, a party grandee expressed concerns that prolonged negative speeches about the economy could harm business confidence in the UK, especially with a 10% energy price cap hike looming in October.