Sir Keir Starmer is confronting a potential rebellion from Labour backbenchers over the upcoming vote to restrict the winter fuel allowance, but has remained tight-lipped on whether he will take disciplinary action against MPs who defy the Government’s position.
Speaking during a trip to Dublin, the Prime Minister defended the decision to limit winter fuel payments for pensioners not in receipt of other state benefits, calling it a “tough decision” necessary for stabilising the economy and improving living standards.
The controversy follows a statement from Rosie Duffield, Labour MP for Canterbury, who publicly declared she would not vote in favour of reducing the benefit. Duffield is among a growing number of Labour MPs voicing their opposition to the plan, which would remove winter fuel payments from millions of pensioners.
When asked in Dublin whether rebels would face punishment, such as losing the party whip, Starmer avoided giving a direct answer. “I was elected in with a clear mandate for change,” he said. “We will only bring about that change if we stabilise our economy.”
Duffield, speaking to Times Radio, confirmed her refusal to support the cuts. “No, absolutely not, I’m afraid,” she said when asked if she would back the measure. However, she added that she would not actively vote against the proposal due to the potential threat of losing the whip. “But I will be showing that I don’t agree with them by abstaining, and I know a few colleagues are doing the same.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves first announced the plan in July, aiming to reduce a £22 billion shortfall in public finances, which Labour claims was left by the previous Conservative government. Under the new proposal, only pensioners who receive means-tested benefits, such as pension credit, will be eligible for the winter fuel allowance. This change is expected to cut the number of recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, saving approximately £1.4 billion annually.
Since Reeves’ announcement, thousands of pensioners have rushed to apply for pension credit, with applications up by 115%. Starmer reiterated that the move was part of broader economic stabilisation efforts, while ensuring that vulnerable pensioners are protected through other benefits. “We have put in safeguards for many pensioners, with pension credit, with housing benefit,” he said, adding that the decision would also ensure the state pension’s triple lock is maintained.
Despite Starmer’s assurances, opposition from within his own party is growing. A Commons motion, tabled by Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, describes the plan as a “bureaucratic and unpopular means test” for pensioners. Eleven Labour MPs have signed the motion, including several who were suspended earlier this year for voting with the SNP to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
As tension mounts ahead of next week’s vote, Starmer has yet to clarify whether Labour MPs who oppose the changes will face disciplinary measures, leaving the fate of potential rebels hanging in the balance.
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