British Prime Minister Starmer's difficult decision sparks controversy and concerns millions of retirees

London, September 10, 2024. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a tense battle within the Labour Party as MPs are set to vote on his controversial decision to cut the winter fuel allowance, which originally helped millions of retirees pay for winter heating costs.

Starmer said that due to the poor public finances left by the previous Conservative government, the subsidy will only be given to the poorest retirees. This decision has caused unease within the centre-left Labour Party, and 17 Labour MPs support the call to delay the subsidy cut. Starmer said that difficult decisions are unpopular but that the economic foundation must be repaired and tough choices must be made.

The Labour Party has a majority in the British House of Commons and the measure should easily pass, but the government is trying to prevent disgruntled MPs from rebelling or abstaining. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves urged MPs to stand united. Starmer vowed during the summer campaign to boost economic growth and restore damaged public services, but after winning, he said there is a "black hole" in public finances and the situation will get worse.

The Conservatives accuse Labour of punishing vulnerable elderly people. Conservative Party leadership candidate Mel Stride said that cutting the subsidy hits low-income retirees. It is expected that after the cut, the number of retirees receiving the subsidy will be reduced from 11.4 million to 1.5 million. The government argues that even with the cut, the increase in state pensions linked to wages and inflation will make retirees better off.

In addition, Starmer is also facing criticism for releasing more than 1,700 prisoners early to free up overcrowded prison space. Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said the government had no choice but warned that some people may continue to commit crimes. Part of the reason for freeing up space is to accommodate those sentenced for anti-immigrant riots. Starmer had vowed a tough response to violent incidents.