Sir Keir Starmer has suffered a defeat in a vote aimed at reversing the controversial cut to winter fuel payments, revealing growing divisions within the Labour Party. The non-binding motion, titled An Economy for the Future, was tabled by the Unite union and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) during the Labour Party’s annual conference.
In a highly charged atmosphere, the motion was passed by a show of hands in the packed and rowdy conference hall. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, led the call for Labour members to defy the party’s leadership and oppose the policy. Addressing the crowd, she passionately declared: “This is not what people voted for.”
The motion called for an end to the means testing of the winter fuel allowance and sought to abolish fiscal rules that prevent borrowing for investment. It also urged the introduction of a wealth tax, signalling a push from within Labour’s left-wing factions to shift the party’s economic stance.
In response, the prime minister addressed the concerns surrounding the winter fuel allowance during his speech at the conference. He acknowledged the unease felt by many but emphasised that stabilising the economy remains Labour’s top priority in the long term. “Every pensioner will be better off with Labour,” he assured the audience.
Despite this setback, Sir Keir has now departed the conference to attend the United Nations summit, where he aims to provide “global leadership” at a time of mounting international crises. His trip comes as the Middle East edges closer to widespread conflict and the war in Ukraine continues to drag on.
