UK PM Facing Union Call to U-turn on winter Fuel Payment Cut

The BBC is reporting that leaders of two of the biggest unions in the UK have added further pressure on the government over its plan to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners in England and Wales.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham says the government should do a U-turn, while head of the PCS union Fran Heathcote said it was a misstep which needed to be put right.

Paul Nowak, head of the Trades Union Congress which brings unions together, has also said the government should rethink and consider other lines of support for pensioners.

Sir Keir Starmer, who is facing a potential rebellion at a vote in the Commons on Tuesday, says the cut is necessary due to the state of the country’s finances.

The change will mean more than 10 million pensioners will no longer receive the payments of between £200 and £300 a year, which will now only be made to those on low incomes who receive certain benefits.

Charities and many MPs are concerned about those still on a relatively small income who will miss out.