LIVERPOOL: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday lost a symbolic vote by his ruling Labour Party demanding the reversal of a controversial policy to scrap a winter heating benefit for millions of pensioners.
The vote, held on the final day of the conference in Liverpool, is non-binding but reflects growing discontent among party activists and union supporters regarding the proposed cuts.
The motion, backed by delegates during a show of hands, underscores the strong feelings surrounding the removal of winter fuel payments, which benefit approximately 10 million elderly citizens.
The previous policy provided up to £300 ($400) to all pensioners, while Starmer’s administration aims to limit the payments to only the poorest seniors as part of efforts to address financial shortfalls.
Starmer, who has been in office since July, defended the decision by citing a £22 billion ($29 billion) deficit in public finances that Labour claims to have inherited from the Conservative government. Despite acknowledging the unpopularity of the cuts, he maintains that they are necessary for fiscal stability.
Sharon Graham, the general secretary of the Unite union, expressed her frustration, stating, “I do not understand how our new Labour Government can cut the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and leave the super-rich untouched.”
Earlier this month, Starmer successfully navigated a parliamentary vote on the issue, aided by Labour’s 167-seat majority gained in the July 4 election.
During the conference, Starmer emphasized the need for a “shared struggle” to address the challenges stemming from 14 years of Conservative rule. He assured delegates that despite the difficulties, “there is light at the end of this tunnel.”
