Chancellor Faces Union Backlash Over Winter Fuel Cuts

The Labour Party is facing backlash from trade unions over the decision to delay a vote regarding the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment, which currently affects around ten million pensioners. Union leaders, particularly from Unite and the Communication Workers Union, criticize the move as an attempt to sidestep important debate, calling it disrespectful to their members. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended the decision, stating it was necessary due to the inherited state of public finances, but emphasized that delegates will have the opportunity to vote on the issue. The decision to means-test the payment has drawn protests, with union representatives arguing that it unfairly targets vulnerable pensioners. Reeves aims to balance fiscal responsibility with ambitions for economic stability, asserting that there will be no return to austerity. Union leaders are pushing for an immediate reversal of the cuts, highlighting the need for urgent support for pensioners.