Labour Faces Backlash Over Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

Labour ministers face significant opposition, including a backbench rebellion, over their plan to cut Winter Fuel Payments, affecting around 10 million pensioners. Chancellor Rachel Reeves aims to implement means-testing for these payments, which would deny non-pension credit recipients up to £300 annually without a parliamentary debate. Money expert Martin Lewis and charity Age UK have criticized the changes, warning that many pensioners will struggle with higher energy costs and urging a reconsideration of the policy. A YouGov poll indicates that 59% of Britons oppose the cuts, while only 28% support them. The Conservatives have submitted an Early Day Motion to force a debate on the issue, potentially embarrassing the Labour government despite its large majority.