Breaking news this morning: The Government has announced a major U-turn on winter fuel payments. Nine million pensioners with incomes of £35,000 or below will now receive support this winter.

Compassion in Politics has been calling for this, so we welcome this move as a clear and necessary step forward.

But let’s be clear: this decision didn’t come from nowhere. It came in response to public pressure, electoral backlash, and demands for fairness. And while it’s a positive move, it cannot be the endpoint. 

This must be part of a much wider shift—from short-term political tactics aimed at reclaiming Reform voters, to a vision rooted in the values that should define our politics: compassion, justice, and care. 

Imagine what could be achieved if compassion wasn’t just reactive, but foundational. That’s why Compassion in Politics exists: to make that happen.

Where we go from here
Today’s U-turn is a reminder that change is possible when people speak out and values are made visible. But to make compassion the foundation of our politics — not just a reaction to pressure — we need to keep building.

With your support, we can take this further.

Your donation could help us:

• Get parliamentary backing for our Compassion Bill which would legally oblige governments to protect those who are most vulnerable
• Protect our democracy by rolling out our ‘Stop the Lying’ law — now being implemented in Wales that would prevent deliberate disinformation by politicians and candidates
• Counter division and hate through our upcoming campaign to properly regulate social media
• Get a majority of MPs to commit to our civility, integrity and truth in politics pledge to reduce toxicity in political discourse. 
   

If you’re in a position to give, please consider making a donation today.

👉 Donate now to support compassionate politics

With thanks and solidarity,
 The Compassion in Politics Team