Summary

  • Opposition MPs have failed to block government plans to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners

  • A total of 348 MPs backed the government, with 228 supporting the opposition motion

  • During a heated Commons debate before the vote, Conservative MP Esther McVey said Labour was "out of touch with the public" and called for an impact assessment on the change

  • Labour MP Anna Dixon said her party was not to blame for the need to make a cut, pointing the finger at a Tory "scorched earth policy"

  • Conservative Edward Leigh said he was willing to debate "why people like me" should get the payment

  • Earlier, Keir Starmer told the TUC conference "we won't be reckless" with people's money and again said Labour had inherited a "£22bn black hole"

Live Reporting

Edited by Emily Atkinson, Emily McGarvey and Nathan Williams

  1. A potential rebellion - but vote will pass in Commons

    Keir Starmer may be facing a potential rebellion at tomorrow's House of Commons vote - but it's expected to pass regardless due to the government's sizeable majority.

    A dozen Labour backbenchers, including six of the seven MPs who lost their whip in July over a separate issue, have signed a motion calling on the government to delay implementing the winter fuel payment restrictions.

    Those opposing the planned cut are expected to abstain rather than risk suspension by voting against the government.

  2. Watch: Starmer defends cut and shows no sign of U-turning

    Despite facing criticism from unions and MPs - some from within his own party - the prime minister has robustly defended his plan, saying that the cut is necessary to address England and Wales' finances.

    Speaking on Sunday with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Keir Starmer said his government was "going to have to be unpopular" and accused previous governments of not confronting the cost of the winter fuel payment.

    "I’m convinced that because they’ve run away from difficult decisions, we haven't got the change we need for the country," he said - while also refusing to say whether Labour MPs who voted against the cut would be suspended from his party.

    You can watch some of the interview here:

  3. What is the winter fuel payment?

    A hand adjusting the settings on a radiatorGetty Images

    Introduced in 1997 by Gordon Brown, winter fuel payments have been paid to all pensioners to help with their energy bills - until now.

    The payment was based upon the idea that older people would be left exposed and at an increased risk if they could not pay their bill.

    The benefit is separate from other support such as Cold Weather Payments and the Warm House discount.

    This year, the winter fuel payment totals £200 for those on certain benefits and born before 22 September 1958. For those born before 23 September 1944, and on certain benefits, it is worth £300.

    • You can read more about the winter fuel payment here - including who is eligible and how to claim it

  4. Radio 5 Live listeners have their say - follow live

    The BBC's Nicky Campbell is taking calls on this very issue today - and you can listen in to his show by clicking the Listen live button at the top of this page.

    We'll highlight some of the voices being aired too.

  5. Starmer under pressure as row over winter fuel intensifies

    Matt Spivey
    Live reporter

    Hello, we're launching this live page as criticism of Keir Starmer's plan to cut winter fuel payments mounts.

    This morning, the UK’s largest trade union - Unite - accused Starmer's party of deciding to “pick the pockets of pensioners” while leaving the rich “totally untouched”.

    Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Starmer needs to be “big enough and brave enough to do a U-turn on this choice", adding that it's "completely wrong".

    Under the plans - announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July - winter fuel payments will be restricted to those receiving pension credit, meaning more than 10 million pensioners will lose out this winter.

    Stick with us for the latest news lines, as well as some handy reminders about what all of this means.