UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Red wall voters turn on Labour over welfare reforms, with 48% disapproving amid outrage over fuel payment cuts and tighter disability aid rules.
As reported by The Guardian, a new poll reveals widespread dissatisfaction among red wall voters, with 48% opposing Labour’s welfare policies amid backlash over disability support and the two-child rule.
What did Merlin Strategy’s survey reveal about red wall voters’ views on Labour?
The poll covering 42 Labour seats captured by Conservatives in 2019 revealed that 48% of voters held a negative view, either slightly or strongly, of the government’s handling of benefit policies, while just 25% expressed support.
The Merlin Strategy survey found that Labour voters from last year’s election were evenly divided, with an equal 38% expressing support and opposition to the government’s handling of policies.
The poll delivers grim news for Downing Street, as red wall voters largely disapprove of the government’s performance on the economy, healthcare, taxation, immigration, housing, environment, defence, crime, and foreign policy.
Respondents ranked Labour the highest for major policies when asked which party was the best choice for health and housing policies. However, Reform UK was favoured on immigration, defence, crime, and welfare.
What are Keir Starmer’s plans for winter fuel payments and the two-child cap?
Last week, Keir Starmer revealed plans to ease the £11,500 threshold stopping pensioners from qualifying for winter fuel payments, without specifying how.
Many Labour MPs have expressed concerns about maintaining the two-child cap, regarded as a significant contributor to child poverty. The government also risks a major rebellion over efforts to narrow eligibility for the personal independence payment, a benefit intended to help those with long-term disabilities find work.
What will Nigel Farage’s promise on winter fuel payments mean for pensioners?
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is set to announce on Tuesday that his party would restore winter fuel payments to every pensioner if elected. He also aims to abolish the rule capping child tax and universal credit claims for more than two children.
Several Labour MPs support this move, but Keir Starmer is expected to highlight the financial risks of Reform UK’s tax and spending proposals. Economists have suggested these measures could cause a deficit exceeding that of Liz Truss’s failed mini-budget in September 2023.
What are Labour MPs saying about the two-child limit and fuel payments?
Karin Smyth, junior health minister, called the change to winter fuel payments “a sign of a government that is listening.”
Stella Creasy, a Labour backbencher, urged an end to the two-child limit, saying it would take “350,000 children out of poverty immediately.”
She added,
“It’s worth reflecting on the fact that 60% of those kids are in households where somebody is at work.”
What did Liz Kendall say about Labour’s benefits overhaul and Reform UK threat?
Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary, said Labour’s benefits reforms are crucial to challenging Reform UK in Red Wall areas.
She said,
“A future dependent on benefits alone is not good enough for people in Blackpool, Birkenhead or Blaenau Gwent.”
Ms Kendall stated,
“We are the only economy in the G7 whose employment rate still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, and spending on sickness and disability benefits in most other comparable countries is either stable or falling since the pandemic, yet ours continues to inexorably rise.”
She said,
“Places that are full of talent and ambition, but which need the investment – in jobs, infrastructure, skills, and public services – to build a better life for themselves and their communities.”
Ms Kendall added,
“People in this country rightly demand change. But populist politics, the politics of division and easy but empty solutions won’t deliver the change people are crying out for, because a future dependent on benefits alone is not good enough for people in Blackpool, Birkenhead or Blaenau Gwent. I am confident we will deliver.”
What did Rachel Maskell say about the winter fuel payment changes?
Rachael Maskell, a Labour Left-winger, stated,
“Any movement on the winter fuel payments is welcome, although, with no detail, it is hard to gauge the impact of this policy change. Clearly, I would want the new terms to ensure that all those who face fuel poverty will get help.”
Winter fuel payments cut
- The UK government restricted winter fuel payments to only pensioners receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, cutting off over 10 million pensioners who previously received the universal benefit 45.
- Facing criticism and electoral losses, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a partial reversal, proposing to expand eligibility but without clear details on thresholds or timing 312.
- The cuts were projected to push 100,000+ pensioners into poverty by 2026, with charities warning it undermines long-term solutions like home insulation.
