Keir Starmer’s Surprise Change of Heart on Winter Fuel
During a fiery round of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the Commons, Sir Keir Starmer surprised everyone by saying the government will undo the Chancellor’s earlier move to scrap winter fuel payments. It’s like flipping a coin and landing on heads—except the coin is trying to keep people warm.
Why the Flip‑Flop Matters
- The threshold for receiving winter fuel payments will be re‑checked, potentially opening the door for more pensioners to get the help they need.
- This comes amid a cost‑of‑living crisis, with retirees feeling the squeeze.
- Starmer promised that as the economy improves, people should see the positive changes in their daily lives.
- The move will still respect fiscal prudence; the government will only support what it can afford.
Starmer’s Key Takeaways
When asked what a concrete plan looks like, Starmer replied:
“I recognise the pressure that the cost of living crisis is putting on everyone—including our pensioners. As the economy gets better, we want people to feel those improvements. This is why we want to make more pensioners eligible for winter fuel payments.”
And to the seasoned Speaker: “We’ll only make decisions we can afford. That’s why we’ll treat this as part of a fiscal event.”
Simply put, the government will keep some level of means‑testing, but the reviewed threshold should boost the number of retirees receiving the much‑needed winter fuel.
Keep An Eye On It
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