After winter fuel decision, Labour is now at war with itself

Keir Starmer's partial U-turn on the winter fuel allowance has not resolved his problems. He was right to do it — but it has opened the door to further such demands. It has also thrown a spotlight on a debate raging inside his party, which goes to the highest level of the government. Labour is at war with itself over tax and spending.

- George Osborne

The relief among Labour MPs about Starmer's retreat is palpable. They tell me they will finally have something to say on the doorsteps when voters put their hand up and tell them they are wasting their breath because of “winter fuel”. As one put it: “We will now get past the hand and at least get a chance to make our case.” Ministers admit privately that the government was not getting a hearing. However, there is dismay on the Labour backbenches that Starmer announced his about-turn without being able to say whether it would take effect in the coming winter. Labour MPs are demanding immediate clarification on the timing, saying any gain from the U-turn will be wiped out if the pain of uncertainty is not lifted until the Budget in October — which might be too late to implement it this winter. That would be untenable.