Why Starmer's U-turn on winter fuel payments lacks clarity
After months of obfuscation and outright denials by Downing Street, the U-turn finally came at prime minister's questions.Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the government would be partially reversing its decision to scrap universal winter fuel payments, broadening the eligibility so more pensioners are given the benefit of between £200 and £300.For many cabinet ministers the climbdown has looked inevitable for some time. The local elections had brought to the fore the sheer level of anger about the government's decision to strip ten million people of winter fuel payments. Ditching the policy was the only sensible decision left.But Starmer's announcement left as many questions as it did answers.
• Benefits reform is like fight for women's equality, says Liz Kendall
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