James O'Brien wonders if Starmer's winter fuel cuts could be an 'epic miscalculation' | LBC

The government's plan to means test winter fuel payments has been blasted as 'cruel' ahead of a vote on the matter.

Labour has decided to "pick the pocket of pensioners" while leaving the richest "totally untouched", the head of the UK's largest trade union has said, as pressure mounts for the Government to U-turn on means testing winter fuel payments.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, urged Sir Keir Starmer to "do a U-turn" on the policy, which would see winter fuel payments restricted to only the poorest pensioners.

She called instead for a tax on the "1% wealthiest", which she claimed would raise £25 billion rather than the £1.2 billion restricting winter fuel payments would save.

James O'Brien explores the choice made by Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, wondering if the money the cuts will save is worth the backlash it has received.

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