First major rebellion.

 In the House of Commons on Tuesday the government had the largest rebellion so far since being elected in July. The issue was the - winter payments for OAP's. The problem is that hitherto the payment has been universal and not means tested. Consequently many millionaires also receive it - people like Sir Mike Jagger and Sir Richard Branson. So from now on it will be for those on Pension Credit, who will receive it. Liz Kendall, the Works and Pension secretary of state  - gave a robust defence of the policy. However the Conservative Party had - crocodile tears, over the new policy. Some have said this is bad politics by Keir Starmer - nevertheless the question is - where to draw the line? If not this, then what? Others argued the government was - picking the pockets of the elderly population living on fixed incomes. I studied Social Policy at the LSE in the 1970's and it was always problematic back then, making the right and best decision. When budgets are tight after 14 years of gross mismanagement by the scallywag Tories - tough decisions are necessary.