PENSIONERS staged a protest outside Labour’s annual conference on Monday, calling for Keir Starmer to reverse the party’s move to cut Winter Fuel Payments.
Retired members of the Unite union held up banners reading: “Freeze profits not people”, and “Defend the winter fuel payment”.
Joe Rollin, a organiser for the union, said it was a “stupid decision”.
“I think Keir Starmer has made a disastrous decision here. He scored an own goal and we just hope he puts his hands up and realises his mistake before it's too late,” he added.
“Thousands of pensioners feel cheated and they won't vote for Labour again at the next election.”
He also pointed out the contrast between the protesting pensioners outside in the rain and Labour’s so-called “business day” today – which has seen hundreds of business leaders pay £3000 for exclusive events and talks with Senior Labour figures including Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves.
“While you've got people swanning around in there in expensive suits and paying £3000 to get their voices heard. You've got the poorest in society, stood out in the rain to make their voices heard,” he said.
“But one thing is for sure. Unite is one of the biggest unions in this country. We're 100% behind our retired members, and we won't let this issue lie.”
Meanwhile, campaigners have gathered outside Labour Party conference to protest against cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment. Some of whom (like below) are very angry and worried 👇 pic.twitter.com/WF6fGrcCpi
— James Walker (@James_L_Walker) September 23, 2024
Another pensioner (above) nearby shouted in frustration, calling Starmer a “careerist politician who should not even be representing the Labour Party”.
Unite member and branch secretary for Manchester Retired Members, Bill Moores, said: “I’m worried about the pensioners who desperately need the Winter Fuel Allowance but will only just be missing out. They will have to make the decision between heating their home or eating.”
Unite retired members chairman Tommy Campbell from Aberdeen added: “We’re here to tell the Labour Government that their decision to cut the allowance is wrong and it needs to be restored.
“Pensioners are very worried about this winter. It’s not just about the heating; it’s about the eating as well. Our state pension is one of the lowest in the world.
“We shouldn’t be treating pensioners in this way. We need to tax the rich. There are a lot of companies making money in the UK which don’t pay their taxes – if we need to make tough choices, be tough on them.”
Unite retired member Joyce Still said: “Labour is supposed to be a socialist party – they shouldn’t be attacking one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
“There are many pensioners who will be dying this winter because of this decision.”
