Farage brands French PM Michel Barnier ‘EU fanatic’ as MPs to get vote on winter fuel payment - Politics live

Reform leader Nigel Farage has branded the EU’s former Brexit negotiator and new French prime minister Michel Barnier an “EU fanatic”.

The 73-year-old, who became a bête noire for Brexiteers due to his tough negotiating style when Britain was leaving the EU bloc, has been tasked with forming a new government by French president Emmanuel Macron.

Staunch Brexiteer Mr Farage, said on X: Michel Barnier becomes the new French Prime Minister. An EU fanatic that will suit sell-out Starmer.”

It comes as MPs will be given the chance to vote on the government’s controversial move to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners as Sir Keir Starmer fights a backlash against the policy.

Commons Leader Lucy Powell announced a motion relating to the changes would be debated on September 10.

At PMQs the prime minister defended the policy and argued the “tough decision” was required to “stabilise our economy”.

Tory MPs heckled the prime minister with shouts of “shame” throughout his answers. The divisive policy has also attracted criticism from within Sir Keir’s own party as Labour MP Melanie Onn urged ministers to consider changes to scheme to ensure older people are “not left in the cold this winter”.