Keir Starmer, currently in
New York for the , has been vocal about the recent decision to means-test winter fuel payments, which is expected to be a contentious topic at the ongoing Labour party conference in Liverpool. In a series of media interviews prior to his departure, Starmer faced questions about the impact of this decision on pensioners.
During an appearance on ITV’s , Starmer was asked multiple times if he would apologize to pensioners affected by the cut, particularly highlighting the case of Chrissy, a pensioner with arthritis who expressed her concerns about rising fuel bills. Starmer, however, sidestepped the question, emphasizing the difficult economic situation inherited from the previous government, which he claimed left a £22 billion deficit.
He stated, "I am really concerned that we’ve been put in this position. When you inherit an economy with £22 billion missing, it is a really difficult set of choices." Starmer asserted that the Conservatives, who were in power before Labour, should be the ones apologizing for the financial mess they left behind.
The Labour party conference is set to debate the decision regarding winter fuel payments, with delegates expected to support a motion from the Unite union that condemns the government's actions.
Question 1: What is the main topic of discussion at the Labour party conference in Liverpool?
The main topic of discussion is the decision to means-test winter fuel payments, which is expected to be condemned by delegates at the conference.
Question 2: What did Keir Starmer say regarding the cut in winter fuel payments during his interview with Susanna Reid?
Keir Starmer refused to apologize to pensioners for the cut in winter fuel payments and instead criticized the previous government for leaving a £22 billion hole in the economy.
Question 3: How did Starmer respond to concerns raised by a pensioner about the impact of the winter fuel payment cut?
Starmer dodged the question about apologizing to the pensioner and emphasized the difficult economic choices faced due to the inherited financial situation.
Question 4: What action is expected from the Labour party delegates regarding the winter fuel payments issue?
Delegates are expected to support a motion championed by the Unite union that condemns the decision to cut winter fuel payments.
Question 5: Where is Keir Starmer while the Labour party conference is ongoing?
Keir Starmer is in New York, where he is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).