Labour MP 'double-fist pumps' as Starmer's plan to 'pickpocket pensioners' sees off one-man rebellion

Labour MPs 'in tears' following Winter Fuel Payments announcement 

Am told there were several Labour MPs in tears in the voting lobbies when voting for the winter fuel changes this afternoon.

— Lewis Goodall (@lewis_goodall) September 10, 2024

Several Labour MPs were reportedly "in tears" following the Winter Fuel Payments vote.

A motion to slash Winter Fuel Payments will go ahead after the Government defeated an attempt by opposition MPs to scrap the proposal. MPs voted by 348 to 228 against a Tory motion to reverse the cut.

This will effectively scrap the benefit, which offers up to £300 in energy bill support, for 10 million older Britons.

Upon the vote in the House of Commons, several Labour MPs were "in tears", journalist Lewis Goodall reported online.

Jon Trickett, who said he "could not in good conscience" support Starmer's proposal, was the only Labour MP to rebel after 53 abstained on the motion.

Senior Labour MPs exposed for hypocritcal stance on Winter Fuel Payments

Leading Labour MPs have been exposed as hypocrites after previously urging Tory Governments to maintain Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper asked Ministers to commit to making “no cuts in the winter fuel allowance every year for the next five years” in 2010.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed she spoke to a woman in Leeds West who had "purple fingers" because her pension was not enough to pay for heating.

Energy Secretary Ed Milliband claimed the pensions perk ensured 900,000 people were lifted out of poverty.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Raymner asked Theresa May to "confirm that 10 million pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments if the Tories are re-elected” during the 2017 election.

Lee Anderson's scathing response to Starmer's decision to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for 10 million pensioners

'I've had pensioners on the phone crying to me'

Lee Anderson MP slams Labour for what he brands a 'pernicious, cruel Act of parliament' in taking away winter fuel payments from retirees. pic.twitter.com/CBlud2Tw9p

— GB News (@GBNEWS) September 10, 2024

Labour rebel expected to keep whip as vote different to two-child benefit cap, GB News understands

Lone Labour rebel Jon Trickett will likely keep the whip as today's Winter Fuel Payments vote was different to the two-child benefit cap, GB News has been told.

Trickett, who said he "could not in good conscience" support Starmer's proposal, was the only Labour MP to rebel after 53 abstained on the motion.

Explaining why Trickett will likely keep the whip, a senior Labour source told GB News: "The difference between Winter Fuel Payments and the two-child benefit cap is that one was attached to the King's Speech. It was the programme for Government we'd just been elected on."

Stride knocked out of Tory leadership race as Jenrick firms up top spot

Former Work & Pensions Secretary Mel Stride has been knocked out of the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader.

Stride languished behind the remaining four candidates, with just 16 MPs supporting the Central Devon MP.

Ex-Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick retains his place at the top of the Tory pile with the backing of 33 MPs, up five.

Despite concerns about vote lending stifling Kemi Badenoch's momentum, the Shadow Housing Secretary remains Jenrick's nearest challenger.

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Lone Labour rebel explains why he couldn't support Starmer's plan to axe Winter Fuel Payments

My comment on the winter fuel payment vote 👇 pic.twitter.com/lq5yD5hDUu

— Jon Trickett MP (@jon_trickett) September 10, 2024

MPs vote to MEANS-TEST Winter Fuel Payment as Labour's 'war on pensioners' heats up

MPs have voted to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment in a vote in the House of Commons earlier this afternoon in what is being called Labour's "war on pensioners".

A motion to slash Winter Fuel Payments will go ahead after the Government defeated an attempt by opposition MPs to scrap the proposal. MPs voted by 348 to 228 against a Tory motion to reverse the cut.

This effectively scraps the benefit, which offers up to £300 in energy bill support, for 10 million older Britons.

In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the new Labour Government's decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment to address the £22billion "black hole" in the public finances.

Going forward, older Britons will now need to be in receipt of means-tested payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), such as Pension Credit.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has come under fire for the controversial decision which has criticism from charities, poverty campaigners and members of his own party.

Former Conservative Cabinet minister Esther McVey has claimed the decision to effectively scrap the energy bill benefit for older households means Labour is "declaring war on pensioners".

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Martin Lewis slams Labour over Winter Fuel Payment means-testing: 'Unnecessarily punitive!'

Martin Lewis has slammed the new Labour Government's decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment as "unnecessarily punitive" on the poorest pensioners in British Society.

Speaking to Times Radio, Lewis called on the Chancellor to put policies in motion which will allow vulnerable pensioners to access additional support during the winter months.

He explained "If you ask me, do I support ending universality of the winter fuel payment where we’re in tough economic stretches, yes, I support ending universality.

"But do I support a very tight means testing that is also ineffective even for the poorest pensioners? No, I don’t support it. The system that’s being put in place is not fair, is not just, and it is unnecessarily punitive to the poorest pensioners, and it needs tweaking.

"I don't feel particularly optimistic. I think that for some reason the government has nailed its colours to the mask on this one and said ‘we’re doing it’, and I’m worried."

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Starmer champions 'opportunity of power' after buckling to trade unions by repealing 'vindictive' Tory laws

Sir Keir Starmer has received a rapturous round of applause from delegates at the TUC's conference in Brighton after vowing to repeal "vindictive" anti-trade union laws established under the Tories.

The Prime Minister said: "Let me again be crystal clear, we will repeal the 2016 Trade Union Act, get rid of minimum level legislation, end the cheap and vindictive attacks on this movement and turn the page on politics once and for all.

"And Congress this is the opportunity of power. It was hard won and hard fought for. I want to thank the General Secretary for his role in that."

However, the Prime Minister also erred on the side of caution when it came to public sector pay rises.

He said: "This Government will not risk its mandate for economic stability under any circumstances and with tough decisions on the horizon, pay will inevitably be shaped by that. I owe you that candour."

However, Starmer had agreed to inflation-busting pay rises for a number of public sector roles, including rail workers.

Christopher Hope HITS BACK at trade unionist after he brands Nigel Farage 'a fraud' - 'He speaks for people who have no voice!'

GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope has hit out at the TUC's Paul Nowak after the trade unionist branded Nigel Farage a "fraud" in a furious rant yesterday.

Paul Nowak described the Reform UK leader as a "Putin apologist fraud" at his address at the annual meeting of the TUC in Brighton.

However, Christopher confronted Nowak on his comments and highlighted how Reform UK received more than four million votes.

He said: "You talked about him [Farage] in your speech yesterday, you said he wasn't a friend of the working class.

"He would argue he was given the support that Reform got the election."

Nowak responded: "Clearly, we've got a Labour Prime Minister talking to our congress who had 174 seat majority.

"So, I don't think he can claim to have the support of the working class. I think Nigel Farage is a fraud and I'm sorry, I know he's a colleague of yours, but I think he's a fraud.

"I think he tries to breed division in our communities. What this country needs is to bring people together, that shared sense of national purpose, to rebuild our public services, to get the economy growing.

"I don't think that Nigel represents the people of Clacton or the working class people affected."

Hitting back, Hope said: "They voted for him in Clacton, and he definitely wouldn't say he's a fraud.

"He's speaking up for people who haven't got a voice in the UK at the moment."

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'Absolute disgrace!' Farage fumes as Starmer vows to strip WW2 hero's Winter Fuel Allowance

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been left fuming this morning as he revealed a World War Two hero risks losing his Winter Fuel Allowance.

Farage, 60, confirmed Reform UK will oppose Sir Keir Starmer's proposal to cut the pensioner perk and highlighted the case as an example as to its impact on British veterans.

The Clacton MP named 99-year-old Jim O'Dwyer as his impacted constituent.

O'Dwyer conducted 31 missions on Lancaster Bombers as tail-end Charlie, a rear-gunner in an essential but dangerous role to combat the threat from Nazi Germany.

The World War Two veteran misses out on receiving additional support due to his private pension.

O'Dwyer's daughter Jenny labelled Starmer's decision as an "absolute disgrace".

In a video highlighting O'Dwyer's case, Farage said: "The job of an MP is to represent his or her constituents.

"One of mine in Clacton is Jim O'Dwyer. He's 99. He did 31 missions on Lancasters during World War Two as tail-end Charlie, rear-gunner, one of the most dangerous jobs in the war.

"And he's a fine gentleman but because he has a very small private pension, guess what? His winter fuel allowance is being taken away."

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Lammy stresses Anglo-American unity with Blinken as pair agree to joint Ukraine visit

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have confirmed they will embark on a joint visit to Ukraine as Russia continues with its invasion of the ex-Soviet state.

At a news conference in London, Lammy said this is the "first joint visit of this kind for well over a decade".

He added: "We are the closest of allies, so I'm delighted that we will travel together, demonstrating our commitment to Ukraine."

Despite disagreeing on suspending arms to Israel, the Foreign Secretary stressed the UK and US agree on the need for a "two-state solution".

He also highlighted that both nations remain "completely aligned" in the need to "secure that ceasefire" and need to "get the region onto a path to peace".

Ex-DUP leader Donaldson denies historic sex abuse charges

Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 historical sexual abuse charges.

Donaldson's wife Eleanor also denied charges of aiding and abetting while appearing at court in Newry, County Down.

The 61-year-old former MP and his 58-year-old wife were arrested at their home in March this year.

'Starmer needs to rethink his pessimistic strategy by looking back at Britain's best PMs, ANALYSIS BY ANDREW PIERCE

Sir Keir Starmer needs to rethink his pessimistic strategy by looking back at successful Prime Ministers, Andrew Pierce has claimed.

The GB News presenter, who is in Brighton to cover the TUC conference, compared Starmer's rhetoric to Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and Clement Attlee.

In his analysis of the Prime Minister's current strategy, Andrew said:

He's got to rethink his strategy because part of the pessimism emanating from No10 is reflected in the mood at the TUC because it is lowkey, it is downbeat.
When Tony Blair arrived on the scene, he was bursting with optimism, bursting with ideas. We had Blairism, we had soundbites, there was a genuine sense of optimism.
Thatcher had a story to tell, Clement Attlee was the great reforming Labour Prime Minister who inherited Britain broken by six years of the Second World War.
He needs to look back at our history and think more positively about giving us something to look forward to.

Union boss issues stark warning to Starmer over pay deals

GMB union boss Gary Smith has issued a stark warning to Sir Keir Starmer over workers' pay deals after the Prime Minister suggested he would not risk economic stability.

Smith claimed: “The Government has a huge job on to clean up the mess after 14 years of chaos and misrule from the Conservatives.

“One toxic Tory legacy was the undervaluing of public sector workers. Paying them properly is both the right thing to do and will help get our economy moving.

“We have seen some positive action from the new government, with above inflation pay awards already in place. But, GMB’s public sector members are clear: this must be a start and not a finish.”

Speaking just minutes before, the Prime Minister suggested pay rises were not inevitable due to the economic state of the UK.

Starmer said: "This Government will not risk its mandate for economic stability under any circumstances and with tough decisions on the horizon, pay will inevitably be shaped by that. I owe you that candour."

'Tax the rich!' Starmer heckled at TUC congress as PM pushes ahead with ending pensioner perk

Sir Keir Starmer has been heckled at the Trades Union Congress' conference in Brighton just hours before his MPs will vote on ending Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners.

During his speech, a lone heckler shouted: "Tax the rich."

The Prime Minister, who received applause after vowing to repeal the 2016 Trade Union Act, was also challenged over his decision not to get rid of the two-child cap on beneifts.

He said: "We have had to take difficult decisions given the economic circumstances we are in for reasons that I have explained."

Starmer is also coming under pressure today after pushing ahead with his measures to remove a pensioner perk for 10 million Britons to cover Winter Fuel Payments.

Starmer refuses to apologise for 'tough decisions' since entering No10

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to apologise for making tough decisions since entering No10 after the 2024 General Election.

The Prime Minister, who addressed TUC delegates in Brighton this hour, said: "I make no apologies for any of the decisions we have had to take to begin the work of change and no apologies to those still stuck in the 1980s who believe that unions and business can only stand at odds, leaving working people stuck in the middle."

Starmer also stressed the job of rebuilding the UK "will take a while", adding: "Even in our worst fears we didn't think it would be this bad."

Farage confirms Reform UK will OPPOSE Starmer's Winter Fuel Payment cut as Labour MPs plot rebellion

Reform UK will oppose Sir Keir Starmer's decision to axe Winter Fuel Payments for 10 million pensioners, Nigel Farage has confirmed.

In a video released last night, the Reform UK leader said: "The big vote on the Winter Fuel Allowance, let's be clear, Reform will vote against this benefit being removed.

"Already, we pay the highest energy bills in the whole of Europe, massively higher energy bills than they do in America.

"And given the plans that Ed Milliband has put forward, our energy bills will only go up over the course of the next 10 years.

"For that reason, above all, we're going to vote against the removal of the Winter Fuel Allowance."

Starmer will also likely face a Labour revolt today as the Prime Minister pushes on despite 17 MPs expressing grave concerns with the move.

Trade unionists have also accused the Starmer of "picking pensioners' pockets" and compared Chancellor Rachel Reeves to the "Grinch at Christmas".

Labour MPs plotting to rebel against Starmer's policy appear likely to abstain rather than vote against the motion after seven Corbynistas were suspended for rebelling over the two-child benefit cap in July.

'Starmer faces biggest test of his premiership so far against Rebel Alliance', ANALYSIS BY CHRISTOPHER HOPE

GB News' political editor Christopher Hope has claimed Sir Keir Starmer faces the biggest test of his premiership so far as MPs prepare to vote on whether to axe Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners.

Christopher, who is heading to Brighton to cover the TUC's conference, warned the Prime Minister faces a two-pronged threat from Labour rebels and union barons.

GB News' political editor said:

It's Keir Starmer versus the Rebel Alliance today in the biggest test of his two months as Prime Minister.

He will first head to Brighton to face the TUC, with two major backers now saying he must reverse his Winter Fuel Allowance cut.

The Prime Minister will then be back to the House of Commons for the big vote, where he'll see how many of his own Labour MPs may not support that cut.

We know that as many 17 Labour MPs have said they won't support the measure in an early day motion but we think as few as three or four might vote against.

Dozens could still abstain and that'll be a test of his authority but it's too early to get a real rebellion going right now and the scale of the majority that the Labor Government has means that a rebellion is unlikely to dislodge a measure which will leave millions, millions and millions of pensioners much colder this this winter

Cleverly receives Patel boost as Badenoch allies fear slumping to third

Former Home Secretary James Cleverly has been handed a boost from two MPs who previously backed Priti Patel as Kemi Badenoch's allies fear the ex-Business Secretary could slump into third place.

Cleverly, who received 21 votes in the first ballot, woke up to endorsements from Greg Smith and Sir Alec Shelbrooke.

The endorsements came just days after Badenoch obtained 22 votes in the first round, putting her six votes behind former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick.

However, allies of the ex-Equalities Minister now fear she could fall to third place.

Sources close to Patel's campaign claim around half of her 14 backers could now support Cleverly, giving him enough support to surpass Badenoch in the second ballot.

Badenoch's allies have also accused rival campaigns of vote lending to take momentum away from the long-standing frontrunner.

Tory leadership contender 'quietly confident' of reaching final four

Tory leadership contender Mel Stride has revealed he is "quietly confident" he will join rivals in the next round of the race to replace Rishi Sunak.

Stride, who was seen as harbouring longshot ambitions to become Leader of the Opposition, told GB News: "The fight is absolutely there.

"People said I wouldn't get through the first round and I did.

"I am quietly confident that I will come through in the next round this afternoon."

The Shadow Pensions Secretary will also lead the Tories against Sir Keir Starmer's proposal to axe Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners ahead of today's Commons vote at 2pm.

Stride edged out former Home Secretary Priti Patel in the first round of the 2024 Tory leadership race last week.

A total of 16 MPs endorsed Stride's bid, two more than Patel.

Former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat received 17 votes, with James Cleverly narrowly ahead on 21.

Kemi Badenoch was long-tipped as the frontrunner but missed out on top spot to Robert Jenrick by six votes.

55% of pensioners set to heat homes less this winter, poll shows

More than half of British pensioners will likely be heating their homes less this winter, a new poll has revealed.

The survey, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, also showed 75 per cent expect to be affected by Sir Keir Starmer's Winter Fuel Payment cut.

A staggering 19 per cent also plan to eat less this winter to accommodate for the cut.

Responding to the poll, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “The Government should do the right thing and change course on this.

“This decision to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance will put untold stress on pensioners, with many facing a heartbreaking choice between heating and eating this winter.

“While we understand the dire state the Conservatives left the public finances in, now is not the time to be cutting support to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We cannot stand by and allow millions of pensioners to endure another winter in a cost of living crisis, Liberal Democrats will be voting against the Government’s cut.”

Starmer warned Labour risks losing political capital over Winter Fuel Payment move

'They've made a rod for their own backs by caving into their union bosses so early and it's starting to show already.'

Former Chief of Staff to Nadhim Zahawi, James Price, says the Government have 'invented' the some of the £22bn fiscal black hole. pic.twitter.com/7prjRhVNKN

— GB News (@GBNEWS) September 10, 2024

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned Labour risks losing political capital over his plan to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners.

Nadhim Zahawi's former chief of staff James Price made a scathing assessment of the Prime Minister's proposal as he accused Starmer of "inventing" a £22billion black hole left by the Tories.

He told GB News: "They've made a rod for their own backs by caving into their union bosses so early and I think that's starting to show already."

Starmer braces for Winter Fuel Payments rebellion as PM 'picks pockets of pensioners'

Sir Keir Starmer will face a revolt from dozens of Labour MPs today as the Prime Minister pushes ahead with his controversial plan to axe Winter Fuel Payments for millions of pensioners.

Almost 20 Labour MPs have publicly called for Starmer to U-turn on the policy, with up to 40 expected to at least abstain on the motion.

Starmer is hoping to end the Winter Fuel Payments available for 10 million pensioners, with Labour also refusing to rule out ending elderly bus passes.

However, trade unions accused the Prime Minister of "picking pensioners' pockets" and Chancellor Rachel Reeves was compared to the "Grinch at Christmas".

Labour MPs plotting to rebel against Starmer's policy appear likely to abstain rather than vote against the motion after seven Corbynistas were suspended for rebelling over the two-child benefit cap in July.

Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott joined a long list of Labour MPs concerned about the Winter Fuel Payment cut.

Abbott slammed the Prime Minister for his language on "tough choices" and later shared a petition created by left-wing pressure group Momentum calling for Starmer to U-turn on the policy.

GB News understands that Reeves sought to reassure Labour MPs about the policy last night.

However, the Chancellor also warned more "difficult decisions" could follow.

Pensions Minister Alison McGovern was tasked with reassuring Labour Party members after telling them "tough decisions" were needed to "protect public finances".

Reform UK's Scottish support surges as leaderless Tories slump

Reform UK's support in Scotland has surged as the populist party is breathing down the neck of the Tory Party in Holyrood.

A poll by Survation found that the leaderless Tories would win just 11 per cent of votes on the proportional regional list, down from 23.5 per cent in 2021.

Reform would win eight per cent, propelling Nigel Farage to a handful of seats north of the border.

In constituency votes, the Conservative share halved to 11 per cent and Reform UK's support soared to nine per cent.

The poll comes as a shock given Farage did not step foot in Scotland during the 2024 General Election campaign.

However, the Scottish Tories have been involved in bitter infighting as MSPs continue to battle to replace Douglas Ross as leader in Holyrood.

The same research found that the SNP and Labour were level in support leading up to the 2026 Scottish Election.