MPs approved the controversial measure this afternoon, although it appears significant Labour numbers abstained.
Scrapping the winter fuel payment was approved by the Commons today despite Keir Starmer suffering a revolt.
Earlier, pensions minister Emma Reynolds risked stoking the row by insisting there are 'plenty of very wealthy pensioners' who do not need the handouts - which can be up to £300. Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been highlighting the prospect of a hike to offset the loss of up to £300 from the winter fuel allowance
'I fear that removing the payment from pensioners will mean that many more will fall into poverty this winter. We know that the consequences of pensioner poverty are devastating. It can even be a matter of life and death. I have worked behind the scenes to try and change the Government's position, but to no avail.
During a Westminster Hall debate before the main business in the Commons, Labour MP Rachael Maskell said: 'A constituent has had leukaemia, they need to keep warm and have their heating on but cannot afford to, it costs £300 a month. Ms Maskell said the Government 'must have the capacity to find another way', adding: 'They put their hope in Labour because, like me, we believe that we exist to fight for working people, to protect the poor and seek justice, equality and fairness.'
'Just to be very, very clear, I have spoken to a number of present about the Government's decision and there actually is fairly widespread agreement that this benefit should not be universal,' she said. Ms Reeves last night told panicking Labour MPs she would not back down – and suggested pensioners could afford to tighten their belts this winter.
53 Labour MPs abstained in the winter fuel allowance vote - although some might have had other reasons for being away from the Commons Earlier, a Cabinet minister squirmed as he refused to guarantee pensioners will not die of cold due to the winter fuel payment cut. Mr Reynolds was also forced to deny jibes from unions that Chancellor Rachel Reeves was behaving like the 'Grinch'.
'It is a recognition that where the previous government has made commitments that it can't honour, you've got to be responsible within there.' 'Change course and reverse your cruel choice to remove the winter fuel payment from millions of vulnerable pensioners. Mel Stride: This choice is not one Sir Keir can blame on anyone but himself Today we are throwing down the gauntlet to Sir Keir Starmer and every single Labour MP. Do as you said you would and put the country before your party.
Pensioners on £13,000 a year will have to sacrifice their Winter Fuel Payment, whilst train drivers on £65,000 a year will receive a no-strings attached pay rise because of Labour's choices – taking their salary to around £69,000.
News Rachel Reeves Mel Stride Brighton Keir Starmer Labour
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Winter fuel payment axe is PASSED by the Commons despite Labour revoltMPs approved the controversial measure this afternoon, although it appears significant Labour numbers abstained.
Read more »
Keir Starmer Hit By Labour Commons Rebellion Over Plan To Axe Winter Fuel PaymentsKevin Schofield is Politics Editor of HuffPost UK.
Read more »
‘We need to keep people safe this winter’, says Labour MP critical of winter fuel cutsWe spoke to Rachael Maskell who is a Labour MP who has led criticism of the planned cuts and says she plans to abstain.
Read more »
Millions of pensioners to lose winter fuel payments as government wins Commons voteA Conservative motion to annul the government's cuts to winter fuel payments has been defeated.
Read more »
Politics latest: Keir Starmer makes 'no apologies' ahead of Commons winter fuel payment cut voteSir Keir Starmer has defended taking 'tough decisions' needed to protect the economy, as MPs prepare to vote later on plans to cut the winter fuel payment for pensioners.
Read more »
Labour urged to honour promise to ban 'no fault' evictions as landmark bill returns to CommonsCampaigners warn of a rise in homelessness linked to Section 21 notices and say reforms are needed to address the insecurity renters face.
Read more »