Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from within his own party over his refusal to reconsider cuts to winter fuel payments, which have affected millions of pensioners across the UK. Labour MPs are urging the Prime Minister to reverse the policy, warning of long-term electoral consequences if action is not taken. The issue gained renewed urgency following Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s admission that dissatisfaction over the changes had impacted Labour’s performance in last week’s local elections, including a surprise defeat to Reform UK in the traditional Labour stronghold of Runcorn and Helsby.
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Despite growing disquiet, Downing Street has firmly dismissed suggestions of a policy U-turn, reaffirming that there would be no reassessment of the current £11,500 eligibility threshold. The government maintains that Chancellor Rachel Reeves made a necessary—albeit difficult—decision to means-test the payment last summer in order to stabilise the economy and repair what it describes as a £22 billion budget shortfall left by the previous administration. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated unequivocally: “The policy is set out. There will not be a change to government policy.”
However, pressure continues to mount. Dennis Reid of the Silver Voices campaign group called on the government to “admit the mistake” and reinstate the payments ahead of winter. He warned that failure to do so could result in lasting political damage, likening the policy to a “poll tax moment” for Starmer. Reid argued that minor changes to the eligibility criteria would not suffice, citing strong public support for full restoration of the benefit, as reflected in feedback during recent doorstep campaigning.
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Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne joined the chorus of criticism, describing Labour’s response as “tone deaf” and urging the party to offer bold economic policies to improve the lives of working-class voters hit hard by years of austerity. He cautioned that failure to act could pave the way for the far right, accusing the leadership of “rolling out the red carpet to Reform”. Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan also weighed in, expressing hope that the UK Government would rethink its stance. Nevertheless, a spokesperson for Mr Starmer reiterated the party’s determination to maintain stability, insisting that their commitment to economic seriousness is what has driven recent progress.
