Just months into his leadership, Keir Starmer is already dealing with major turbulence—this time over the government’s controversial cuts to winter fuel payments.
With growing public dissatisfaction and internal party pressure mounting, the Labour leader made a public move today to soften the blow.
But critics say the climbdown doesn’t go far enough, and many are asking: is this too little, too late?
Starmer Promises Change But Offers No Clear Timeline
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer defended the original decision to cut winter fuel allowances for around nine million pensioners.
But in a notable shift, he promised that as the economy improves, the government would lower the income threshold to allow more pensioners to qualify for the support—potentially up to £300 in payments.
The catch? He gave no firm date. Instead, he said any changes would be announced during a “future fiscal event,” most likely the Autumn Budget, which usually lands in November or December.
That timeline leaves serious doubts about whether pensioners will see any help this winter.
Labour MPs and Opponents Call for a Full Reversal
Starmer’s vague promise didn’t sit well with many within his own party.
Several Labour MPs wasted no time urging the government to go even further and reverse the cuts entirely.
At the same time, Conservative critics pounced on the perceived indecision.
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch called the backtrack “inevitable” and accused Starmer of being “desperate.”
“What will he say to the 348 MPs who voted for this cut just last September?” she asked.
“Just like the public, how can any of them trust him again?”
Ed Davey Pushes for Clarity but Starmer Dodges the Details
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey also pressed Starmer on whether he was reversing the policy in full.
Starmer side-stepped the question, repeating that the economy is beginning to improve and insisting that the government wants more pensioners to benefit—but only when it’s affordable.
“It’s important we only make decisions we can afford,” he said, once again pointing to the upcoming fiscal announcement as the place for more detail.
Rising Costs and Public Anger Fuel the Political Fire
The backlash comes at a time when many older citizens are still battling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.
Labour MP Sarah Owen raised the issue directly during PMQs, highlighting constituents in Luton who are watching their life savings shrink under financial pressure.
Starmer responded by acknowledging the struggles pensioners are facing and promised that improvements in the economy should translate into real help for the public.
But again, he stopped short of giving a firm commitment.
Rachel Reeves Says the Government Is “Listening”—But Is That Enough?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves tried to strike a reassuring tone earlier this week, saying on the BBC’s Newscast that the government is paying attention to public concern.
“I do understand the concerns people have,” she said. “We’re a government that listens.”
Still, she added a caveat: any changes must come with a clear plan for how to pay for them.
“We would always need to show where the money is going to come from,” she said.
Leaks Reveal Rayner’s Push for Wealth Tax Hikes
Behind the scenes, it seems the debate is far from settled.
Leaked documents suggest Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has been lobbying for tax hikes instead of cutting support.
A memo reportedly sent to Rachel Reeves before the Spring Statement outlined eight potential tax increases that could rake in billions.
These included reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance, increasing dividend taxes, targeting an additional million higher earners, and even pushing up corporation tax for banks.
Chancellor Ignored the Proposals But Faces Budget Pressure
Though Reeves didn’t act on the proposals at the time, the memo points to deeper tension within Labour’s top ranks.
With the economy faltering and the next Spending Review and Autumn Budget looming, Reeves is under increasing pressure to balance the books.
Insiders downplayed the memo, suggesting it didn’t necessarily reflect official policy.
But with public trust wobbling and party unity under strain, the divisions are getting harder to ignore.
Reform Party Surge Piles on the Pressure
Adding to Starmer’s woes, a new poll shows the Reform Party now eight points ahead of Labour—an alarming shift just weeks after their strong showing in the local elections.
It’s a sign that voter discontent is no longer just a warning; it’s becoming a real threat.
Can Labour Recover From This Misstep?
As Starmer tries to regain control of the narrative, the question remains: will the public buy into his promises of future support, or will they see it as political damage control?
Until more concrete steps are laid out—and until the government clearly shows how it plans to pay for any policy changes—the scepticism is likely to grow.