Labour faces backlash over cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners
- Trade unions, including Unite and CWU, were angered by Labour's decision to block a vote on cuts to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners at the annual conference in Liverpool.
- The motion, which called for a reversal of the cuts, was not included in the agenda, leading to accusations of disrespect towards union members.
- The unions plan to demonstrate outside the conference, highlighting the need to defend the Winter Fuel Payment and criticizing the leadership's approach to economic issues.
At Labour's annual conference in Liverpool, trade unions expressed outrage after party officials blocked a vote on the Government's cuts to universal Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners. The motion, backed by Unite the Union and the Communication Workers Union (CWU), aimed to challenge the decision to restrict payments to only the poorest pensioners. Union leaders criticized the Labour leadership for disrespecting members and avoiding a crucial debate on the issue. Chancellor Rachel Reeves was scheduled to address the conference, focusing on Labour's economic plans, while the unions highlighted the importance of the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners. The failure to include the motion on the agenda was seen as a significant oversight, prompting calls for accountability from union representatives. Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, labeled the policy as cruel and a misstep, while other union leaders described the decision as politically inept. The unions planned to stage a demonstration outside the conference center, emphasizing their commitment to defending the Winter Fuel Payment. The motion proposed a wealth tax on the richest one percent and called for a shift away from austerity measures. The unions argued that pensioners should not bear the brunt of budget cuts, especially when the Government is seeking to address a £22 billion budget shortfall. The unions' actions reflect a growing tension between Labour leadership and its traditional support base, as they seek to navigate economic challenges while maintaining party unity.