Unions ‘outraged’ over Starmer’s ‘politically inept’ decision to axe winter fuel payments

Unions have blasted Labour on Monday morning and expressed their outrage as Keir Starmer and the Chancellor are axing the winter fuel payments from autumn which could see thousands die as a result.

The trade unions are scathing of Labour and one has warned Starmer his decision will “haunt” the government for many years to come.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Unite union are furious as they called for a motion for Labour to U-turn on axing the winter fuel payment, but this was not chosen to be voted on at the conference in Liverpool on Monday.

Andy Green, chairman of Unite the Union, said the decision not to allow voting is “an outrage” and he accused the government’s leadership of showing “disrespect” to their members.

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“This is simply an attempt to take out the debate on the Winter Fuel Allowance,” he said.

Today is economy day at conference and we have the Chancellor speaking and a conference composited motion on the growth mission which is scheduled for this morning.

“So it is more a surprise and in fact an outrage to us that the composited motion from Unite and the CWU on an economy for the future is not listed on the agenda for today.

It is disrespectful to our members and every single delegate here, and conference itself who voted for the priorities ballot.

Sharon Graham the general secretary of the Unite union is calling on Labour to reverse their “cruel” cut to the winter fuel allowance.

Graham has said Labour’s policy is “cruel” and she will raise the issue during the party’s annual conference in Liverpool.

During an interview on Sky News the Unite union leader said she wants to hear from Sir Keir Starmer as to what he is going to do to reverse the decision.

Graham said, “It’s a cruel policy. He needs to reverse it. And I’d like him to say that he’s made a misstep and to reverse that policy. I’d also like him to say that we’re not going to take this country down austerity mark.”

“People voted for change. They need to see change. And he needs to reverse the winter fuel allowance (decision) and let people have that £300 they can put their heating on this winter.

“The reality here is it’s a misstep. You’ve got a situation where the poorest in our society, the first thing that Labour does is take away the winter fuel allowance from the poorest in our society whilst they leave the most wealthiest people pretty much untouched.”