BREAKING: Labour conference demands Keir Starmer scraps winter fuel payment cut

In an embarrassing result for Keir Starmer, Labour delegates voted through a motion demanding he abandons cutting the £300 winter fuel payment for all but the poorest OAPs

Labour's conference has called on Keir Starmer to reverse a controversial cut to winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners.

In an embarrassing result for the PM, members voted through a motion demanding he abandons the decision to axe the £300 payment for all but the poorest OAPs.

While non-binding it will pile pressure on the new government amid growing calls to U-turn. It was put forward by Unite - one of Labour's most powerful union backers - and the Communication Workers Union.

Recieving a standing ovation from Labour members, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham told the conference: "I do not understand how our new Labour government can cut the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and leave the super-rich untouched.

“This is not what people voted for. It is the wrong decision and needs to be reversed."

It came as Unite members - including general secretary Ms Graham - staged a protest outside the conference hall on Wednesday, shouting "save the winter fuel".

But In an interview with BBC Radio 4 programme, Mr Starmer defended axing support for millions of pensioners. He said: "These are difficult choices - £22billion is a huge amount to find. I've also got to face up to the fact the NHS is on its knees, pensioners rely on the NHS."