Keir Starmer doubles down on triple lock policy when quizzed during PMQs

has clarified his government's plans for the after criticism over the cuts to . He was questioned on the issue during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, MPs' weekly opportunity to grill Starmer.

Under current policy, the triple lock on UK state pensions guarantees the benefit will increase every year, either by inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%, whichever of the three measures is highest. It aims to ensure pensioners' incomes do not lag behind the cost of living and meant the state pension rose by £472 a year last month. At PMQs, Sir Keir said his government was "committed to the triple lock", guaranteeing a steady rise in the value of the state pension over the coming years. Conservative leader wanted the Prime Minister to clarify his position, after asking him whether he had been wrong to cut winter fuel payments for all but the poorest pensioners last year.

These payments are worth up to £300 to help cover energy costs during colder months, but the new rules prevent millions of low-income households from accessing the support.

Introduced by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government in 2010, the triple lock has been in place for over a decade, with current chancellor Rachel Reeves having said it will be kept in place until the end of the current Parliament.

Over 12 million people currently receive the state pension, with men and woman born between October 6, 1954 and April 5, 1960 to begin receiving the payment at the age of 66.

Those born after this date will see an increase in the state pension age, to either 67 or 68 depending on their birthday.

Anyone receiving the state pension gets a government payment every four weeks.

Last month, the earnings element of the triple lock meant the state pension increased by 4.1%, raising the weekly total to £230.25 for the full, new flat-rate state pension and £176.45 for the full, old basic state pension.

These totals rose by £472 a year and £363 a year respectively.

Starmer's assurance at PMQs came as rumours swirled that his government was considering changes to the winter fuel payment cuts announced last year.

Since winter 2024/2025, only those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits are eligible for the winter fuel payment, a move criticised by opposition parties and trade unions, with Unite threatening legal action against the policy last year.

Downing Street has dismissed suggestions of changes to the policy.