Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves are taking us for fools. They’re trying to give the impression their winter fuel u-turn is the result of an improving economy. In reality, it’s based on the same cynicism that caused them to implement this cruel policy in the first place.
People don’t trust Labour with our economy. And with good reason. We’ve all suffered the effects of previous Labour governments. Looking at the performance of our economy under this government, Starmer and Reeves are continuing in that vein.
Rachel Reeves wanted to prove she could take “tough decisions”. To do so, she targeted vulnerable pensioners. You can’t get more cruel and cynical than that.
Let’s look at the numbers. The previous Winter Fuel Policy cost around £1.6billion. Yes, a lot of money. But in the grand scheme of the government’s budget, it’s loose change. A rounding error.
Public spending in Britain exceeds £1trillion a year. Scrapping the Winter Fuel Payment does not even touch the sides. The government has spent over 3 times as much on migrant hotels, to put things in perspective. Why didn’t Reeves prioritise savings there instead?
Ever since the policy was announced, I’ve been inundated with emails from vulnerable constituents. Last winter, many went without heating thanks to Starmer and Reeves’ cruel policy. Many pensioners were worried sick.
Predictably, this resulted in a sharp loss of support for Labour. Their poll ratings plummeted. Deservedly so.
That’s why I say the move to reinstate the payment is also cynical. Starmer and Reeves aren’t doing it because they care. It’s just an attempt to claw back support. There are plenty of places where savings could have been made, that are rooted in fairness rather than a foolish attempt to appear tough.
Sadly for Labour, it’s too late. People have seen their true face. They’ll see this u-turn for what it is. The damage is done.