Starmer rejects calls for winter fuel rethink

SIR Keir Starmer has rejected calls for a U-turn over the decision to strip winter fuel payments from millions of pensioners after Labour's backlash at the ballot box.

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Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan called for a rethink on the decision to means-test the benefit, saying it was “something that comes up time and again”.

Cabinet minister Wes Streeting acknowledged voters’ anger at the policy but said there was no formal review of the measure.

Downing Street confirmed “there will not be a change to the Government's policy” despite the concerns raised by other senior Labour figures.

The Prime Minister’s press secretary said the Government will not be “blown off course” after the local election results.