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Sharon Graham the general secretary of the Unite union is calling on Labour to reverse their “cruel” cut to the winter fuel allowance that will affect some 10 million pensioners.
Graham has said Labour’s policy is “cruel” and she will raise the issue during the party’s annual conference in Liverpool.
During an interview on Sky News the Unite union leader said she wants to hear from Sir Keir Starmer as to what he is going to do to reverse the decision.
Graham said, “It’s a cruel policy. He needs to reverse it. And I’d like him to say that he’s made a misstep and to reverse that policy. I’d also like him to say that we’re not going to take this country down austerity mark 2.
“People voted for change. They need to see change. And he needs to reverse the winter fuel allowance (decision) and let people have that £300 they can put their heating on this winter.
“The reality here is it’s a misstep. You’ve got a situation where the poorest in our society, the first thing that Labour does is take away the winter fuel allowance from the poorest in our society whilst they leave the most wealthiest people pretty much untouched.”
She wrote in the Observer on Sunday, Dying in an early ditch for policies most people hate is not only silly politics, but it can also set the public mood.
“This is particularly so, when the decision you are defending delivers so little towards whatever plan you have and is instead seen as punitive.
“Labour’s decision to cut winter fuel payments is one such policy. It is particularly important because it relates so deeply to the story of this new Government. Targeting everyday people without much money is cruel, not tough.
“Most people will forgive you for making a mistake. We all make them, after all. But doubling down? Refusing to change tack? Many will be less impressed by that.”
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