Labour’s conference has called on Keir Starmer to reverse a controversial cut to winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners.
In an embarrassing result for the PM, members voted through a motion demanding he abandons the decision to axe the £300 payment for all but the poorest OAPs.
While non-binding it will pile pressure on the new government amid growing calls to U-turn. It was put forward by Unite – one of Labour’s most powerful union backers – and the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU).
Recieving a standing ovation from Labour members, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham told the conference: “I do not understand how our new Labour government can cut the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and leave the super-rich untouched.
“This is not what people voted for. It is the wrong decision and needs to be reversed.”
It came after Unite members – including general secretary Ms Graham – staged a protest outside the conference hall on Wednesday, shouting “save the winter fuel”.
Mr Starmer was not present in the hall for the vote as he attended meetings of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.
But In an interview with BBC Radio 4 programme, the PM defended axing support for millions of pensioners. He said: “These are difficult choices – £22billion is a huge amount to find. I’ve also got to face up to the fact the NHS is on its knees, pensioners rely on the NHS.”
In her conference speech the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall also described the decision to the cut the support as “difficult”. She added: “Focusing Winter Fuel Payments on the poorest pensioners wasn’t a decision we wanted or expected to make. But when we promised we could be trusted with taxpayers’ money, we meant it.”