Unite Chief Sharon Graham Calls on Starmer to Retract Winter Fuel Allowance Cuts Amidst Rising Public Outcry

Unite union leader Sharon Graham has intensified her demands for Starmer to restore the winter fuel subsidy. During her appearance on Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Graham emphasized that her main expectation from the prime minister is to overturn the recent cut.

Sunday, September 22, 2024, 5:

The head of Unite has called on the government to retract its decision to reduce the winter fuel subsidy for retirees, labeling the move as "harsh".

The union intends to bring up the matter at the Labour Party gathering in Liverpool this week.

During an appearance on Sky News' "Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips," Unite's General Secretary Sharon Graham expressed her desire for Sir Keir Starmer to commit to overturning the cuts to the winter fuel allowance.

"This policy is harsh and should be retracted. I would appreciate it if he acknowledged the error and withdrew the policy. Additionally, I hope he declares that we will not lead the country towards a second phase of austerity."

"Citizens cast their ballots for transformation. They expect to witness that transformation. Moreover, he should retract the decision regarding the winter fuel subsidy so that individuals receive the £300 necessary to heat their homes this winter."

She commented, "The truth of the matter is that this is a blunder. We're faced with a scenario where the most economically vulnerable individuals are the first to lose the winter fuel allowance under Labour's actions, while the wealthiest are left largely unaffected."

Fourteen days prior, Ms. Graham charged Chancellor Rachel Reeves with "robbing the elderly" by reducing winter heating allowances.

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Speaking at the TUC conference in Brighton, Ms. Graham informed Sky News, "Britain is facing a crisis, and it's crucial that we opt for vastly different decisions."

"We urge Labour to refrain from burdening retirees financially, but instead to implement a wealth tax targeting the wealthiest 1% of society."

Read more: Rayner to unveil new protections for renters at conference kickoff. Government to maintain stance on reduction of winter fuel payments. Analysis: The initial grace period for Starmer has definitively ended.

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Parliament approved a reduction in winter fuel payments, and Sir Keir Starmer subsequently acknowledged that no impact assessment had been conducted.

Starting this winter, only retirees who apply for pension credit are eligible for the payment of up to £300 to assist with rising heating costs. In the past, all retirees were entitled to this benefit.

The decision faced significant opposition from Members of Parliament and charitable organizations, with cries of "shame" echoing through the House of Commons as the reduction was approved.

Sir Keir and Ms Reeves announced the move as a strategy to address a £22 billion deficit in government funding.

This Sunday, Trevor Phillips hosts his show live from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.

Starting at 8:30 in the morning, he will be accompanied by Unite's General Secretary Sharon Graham, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, the Lebanese Ambassador to the UK Rami Mortada, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

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