Pensioners Brave Rain to Protest Winter Fuel Payment Cuts at Labour Conference

Merseyside pensioners faced torrential rain outside the Labour Party conference to express their outrage over cuts to the winter fuel allowance. While Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her speech, dozens waved placards and chanted, “Winter fuel cut go away, tax the rich and make them pay.” One sign read: “Scouse pensioners have warm hearts. Starmer’s heart is cold as ice.”
In July, the Chancellor announced plans to eliminate winter fuel payments for around 10 million pensioners, leaving only those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits eligible for payments ranging from £100 to £300. This decision has sparked significant anger among the elderly, many of whom worry about heating their homes this winter.
Anne San, 67, from Merseyside Pensioners’ Organisation, voiced her concerns: “We may be old, but we don’t want to be cold. These are people who have worked all their lives; they shouldn’t have to struggle at this time of life.”
Many at the protest, including Susan Robinson, 66, expressed disappointment with the Labour Party, stating that they may no longer support the party due to its stance on the fuel allowance. Robinson said, “I thought they would show us compassion, but I don’t think they’re showing any whatsoever.”
The protest, organized by the union Unite, highlighted broader issues of inequality and the need for the wealthy to contribute more to the public finances. General Secretary Sharon Graham criticized the government’s austerity measures, stating, “Instead of depriving elderly people of warmth, Labour should be introducing legislation to tax the very wealthiest in our country.”
As the weather worsened, the determination of the pensioners to make their voices heard remained unwavering, with many vowing to continue advocating for their rights and the needs of their peers.