MPs have backed plans to massively scale back winter fuel support for pensioners – despite a significant chunk of the Labour benches refusing to lend their support.
The government faced a considerable rebellion on its controversial plans to means test the benefit, which would mean more than nine million pensioners losing out on between £200 and £300 each year to go towards heating their homes.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the cut was necessary to help fill a £22 billion ‘black hole’ in the country’s finances, discovered after the election.
Frontbench figures also argue it will simplify the scheme and ensure it is targeted where it’s needed most.
But several Labour MPs, including longest-serving female MP Diane Abbott, signalled they oppose the move ahead of a major vote on the issue today.
The Conservative motion criticised the government for the decision, saying it was ‘likely to lead to increased burdens on the National Health Service’.
Opposition MPs argued today that the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment were a ‘political choice’ after the government offered above-inflation pay rises to train drivers in an effort to resolve strikes.
It was unlikely that many Labour MPs who were against the decision would back a motion from the Tories, so all eyes were on the number of people who chose to abstain.
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In the end, there were 228 votes in favour of the Conservative motion and 348 against.
There were 53 Labour MPs who did not register a vote, including Abbott, though several did so because they were unable to make it to the House of Commons for the vote.