Keir Starmer to face questions about rumoured winter fuel payment U-turn

Keir Starmer is set to face questions amid reports of a possible U-turn on cuts to both winter fuel payments and disability benefits at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves said on Tuesday that she would “continue to listen” to concerns within her Labour party about the decision to axe winter fuel payments for pensioners.

Her statement has left the door open for a potential U-turn.

Senior Government figures are also weighing up changes to their controversial welfare reform package, which currently makes cuts to disability benefits, STV News understands.

The reform package has created anger across the UK Labour party, and dozens of MPs have made it clear that they are prepared to revolt against the changes.

At least two letters have circulated among Labour backbenchers and ministers, with one attracting almost 120 signatories, and both demanding changes.

Starmer is also likely to be asked about a row between two of his most prominent ministers.

It was revealed this week that deputy prime minister Angela Rayner urged Rachel Reeves to consider a series of wealth tax rises in a memo sent to the chancellor before March’s spring statement.

Her memo, called “alternative proposals for raising revenue”, proposed eight potential tax measures worth an estimated £3bn to £4bn a year that would not raise taxes “on working people”.

However, Reeves did not adopt any of Rayner’s suggestions and instead announced cuts to public spending in her spring statement.

This row is likely to come up at PMQs where Starmer will be questioned on Labour party infighting.

PMQs will be streamed live from the House of Commons at noon on Wednesday.