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Watch: Starmer faces Sunak at PMQs after MPs approve winter fuel payment cuts

Holly Patrick
Wednesday 11 September 2024 15:33 BST
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Watch as Sir Keir Starmer faced Rishi Sunak at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, 11 September, following MPs’ approval of cuts to winter fuel payments.

Labour has been accused of punishing pensioners after MPs voted to cut the allowance for millions across the country.

On Tuesday, a Conservative motion aimed at blocking the policy was rejected with a majority of 120.

The plan cleared the Commons with just one Labour rebel voting against it but dozens of MPs on the Government benches were missing in action.

The government insisted the proposed changes are needed to fill a £22 billion “black hole” in public finances left behind by previous Conservative governments.

Labour’s decision means that only those on Pension Credit or some other benefits in England and Wales will receive the payment, saving the Exchequer around £1.5 billion a year.

Rachel Reeves insisted it is “absolutely right” to means-test the benefit, worth up to £300, in order to address the “black hole” in the public finances.

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