Dozens of Labour MPs REFUSE to vote for Starmer’s fuel payment cut – but millions will still be worse off
SIR Keir Starmer was last night rocked by the biggest revolt of his premiership - but still got his way on axing winter fuel payments for almost all pensioners.
Around 10million OAPs will now lose the cold-weather cash that is worth between £200 and £300.
It effectively wipes out the £460 increase in the state pension announced yesterday when inflation is factored in.
A hefty 53 Labour MPs abstained from yesterday’s vote in what was widely viewed as a silent rebellion following fury from constituents and campaigners.
But the PM still cruised to a 120-majority in the Commons, winning by 348 to 228 against a Tory motion to quash the controversial policy.
Veteran left-winger John Trickett was the only one to vote against the Labour line and now risks being stripped of the party whip.
In a bid to play down the rebellion, No10 sources insisted just a dozen of their MPs who dodged the vote had not got prior authorisation.
Yet many have voiced anger at the landmark benefits cut including in a stormy Westminster debate yesterday.
Labour backbencher Rachel Maskell warned many OAPs will be too “frightened” to put the heating on this winter for fear of crippling costs.
Tory shadow welfare secretary Mel Stride had urged Labour backbenchers to “look to your conscience” and defy Sir Keir.
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He said: “You know in your heart that these measures are wrong.”
Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh - the Father of the House - branded the winter fuel snatching a “punishment beating” on pensioners.
Even Labour-backing luvvie Carol Vorderman said the PM “should apologise” for scrapping the pensioner payments.
Following the vote, campaigners Age UK warned the winter will be "a deeply challenging one for millions of older people".
Despite facing down anger after giving public sector workers big pay rises, Sir Keir yesterday warned unions he will not be rolling over in the future.
He said there were "tough decisions on the horizon – pay will inevitably be shaped by that" as he became the first Labour PM to address the Trades Union Congress in fifteen years.
He also attacked militant left-wingers “stuck in the 1980s” as he insists the unions and business can work hand-in-hand to boost growth.
Nigel Farage fumes as 99-year-old WWII hero set to lose winter fuel payment
FURIOUS Nigel Farage today slammed Sir Keir Starmer for stripping a 99-year-old British war hero of his winter fuel payments.
Jim O'Dwyer, one of the last living Lancaster bomber pilots, is among the nine million OAPs set to lose out on the cash.
Mr O'Dwyer, who lives in Mr Farage's Clacton constituency, flew 31 missions as a rear bomber.
But the elderly vet will have vital heating payments hoisted off him because he just misses out on being eligible for pension credit.
The war hero's daughter Jenny blasted Sir Keir over the move.
She told The Sun: "The government's policy is a disgrace".
Mr Farage fumed: “My constituent Jim O'Dwyer is a 99 year old WW2 veteran.
"He flew 31 missions as rear gunner in Lancaster bombers.
"Due to a small pension he is having his winter fuel payment stopped.
"This is a disgrace. Is this really what Starmer and Reeves want?”
TOUGH TUESDAY
By Ryan Sabey
Sir Keir Starmer has been in the top job for just two months - but Tuesday will be one of the toughest yet.
The Prime Minister will find out how many of his own MPs really believe in the way he is executing his plan to fix the economy.
Sir Keir and his iron-fist Chancellor Rachell Reeves are adamant there is no u-turn coming on the decision to axe winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners.
But an important - if not crunch - vote will take place showing his own grip on the party.
Word amongst his own MPs is to watch how many abstentions there are among Labour MPs.
One MP told me earlier that abstaining is the only way to show you don't like a policy.
Labour MPs - especially the new ones - are frightened of the consequences of voting against the party whip for fear of being kicked out of the Parliamentary party.
Many will suddenly find a hospital appointment to attend or an urgent engagement in their constituency so they can avoid walking through the division lobbies.
Expect the number of Labour MPs voting against Sir Keir Starmer's wishes to be actually very low.
Labour will get through tomorrow and party bosses won't be losing any sleep.
But the anger over cutting the allowance will simply grow.
Round the corner is the Budget on October 30th.
If the noise grows much louder, let's see whether Downing Street can hold the line for much longer.
If the pressure becomes unbearable, at that point perhaps they can offer concessions.
But for now, they are sitting tight.
By giving in to the baying mob of Labour MPs will be a desperate sign of weakness so early on in their term of office.
When they've promised to fix the economy, they can't be seen to be giving in too easily, too soon.