“Cowardly' Starmer stalls vote on scrapping cruel cut for pensioners
Dozens of retired union members gathered outside the party's conference yesterday to oppose the decision to axe the lifeline which is worth up to £300.
Delegates also booed when it was announced that a debate set for yesterday on a winter fuel U-turn would be delayed until tomorrow when many activists will have left. The vote is non-binding but it would have been an humiliating blow to Labour on the day of a key speech by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, ahead of Sir Keir Starmer's address today.
The PM flies to New York soon afterwards for a UN gathering so he will miss the cuts vote entirely.
A Tory spokesman commented: "Cowardly Keir jetting off to America rather than facing the music of his own members shows even he can't justify his callous decision to his own supporters.
"Maybe it's because he knows his decision to axe the winter fuel payments is the wrong one and will cause unbearable suffering across the country. There is still time to change course and reinstate the payment before it's too late."
Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, said yesterday: "Labour leaders have tried to silence the voice of pensioners, workers and communities at party conference in this blatant manoeuvre to block debate on winter fuel cuts and the departure towards Austerity Mark 2.
"There will be real anger among everyday people. Real anger." Her union said it has faced "constant attempts" this week by the Labour leadership to block its protest motion to save the handout.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Howe defends spent promises
'RULE CHANGES HURT TOON'
Business as usual for Tigers despite missing Cheika
MICHAEL CHEIKA'S right-hand man at Leicester shrugged off the head coach's absence from today's clash at Newcastle after his touchline ban.
Ex-policewoman charged after paddleboard tragedy
A FORMER policewoman has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the deaths of four people in a paddleboarding incident.
Country star lashes out at 'hush money' rape claims
COUNTRY singer Garth Brooks has insisted that rape claims made against him by a stylist are a \"hush money\" shakedown.
Michel Roux: 'Potato Gate exit from BBC still hurts
MICHEL Roux Junior is still simmering at the BBC 10 years after he says he was forced out of MasterChef over a \"Potato Gate\" row.
Airstrikes threaten evacuations
IRAN'S CALL TO ARMS AS BRITISH AND U.S. HIT HOUTHI TARGETS
MONTELL: I'VE BEATEN THE BEST...BUT I'VE MET MY MATCH DANCING IN HEELS
SHE is formidable as Fire on TV's Gladiators, but Montell Douglas has finally met her match on Strictly-high heels.
PM's £22bn bid to capture carbon
SIR Keir Starmer rubbed shoulders with factory workers as he pledged nearly £22billion to capture and store carbon emissions from energy, industry and hydrogen production.
APOLOGY AFTER PROBE FINDS WOMEN SUBMARINERS SUFFERED MISOGYNY AND BULLYING
NAVAL personnel have been sacked after a probe uncovered \"intolerable\" misogyny and bullying on board nuclear-armed submarines.
Boris: Cameron wrong to quit after EU vote
BORIS Johnson has criticised David Cameron for quitting as PM after Britain voted to leave the European Union.