New Obstacle to Vote on Pension Cuts

In a significant development within the House of Commons, over half of its members are newly elected and may face unexpected limitations regarding their ability to vote on Chancellor Rachel Reeves' contentious decision to withdraw winter fuel payments from pensioners not receiving pension credit. This decision was enacted through a statutory instrument under the negative procedure, which allows such measures to become law without a vote unless a motion, known as a "prayer," is tabled and supported. The statutory instrument concerning winter fuel payments is set to take effect on September 16, 2024, unless either house of Parliament agrees to reject it within 40 sitting days. While any MP can propose a prayer against the statutory instrument, the government must allocate time for it in the parliamentary schedule, which is not guaranteed. Historically, the government has allowed time for such votes when supported by opposition leaders, but this is not a requirement. Rishi Sunak has initiated a prayer motion to annul the statutory instrument, yet the likelihood of a vote remains uncertain. Matthew England from the Hansard Society noted that previous prayer motions signed by Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, did not lead to votes in the last parliament. Additionally, since the winter fuel payment is a financial issue, the House of Lords will not have a say in the matter. The opportunity for MPs to formally oppose the cut hinges on whether Starmer, advised by chief whip Alan Campbell, will permit a vote on Sunak's motion. Some Labour MPs may be hesitant to vote against their own government, especially after facing suspension for similar actions in the past.