[Music] in a scene that could rival a political drama sakir stama found himself squirming under the spotlight as he attempted to deflect criticism over his controversial winter fuel payments decision with the weight of the tor's Legacy heavy on his shoulders he pointed fingers claiming that the inheritance left by the previous government was to blame for the current mess in a major address delivered in the picturesque Downing Street Rose Garden the Prime Minister painted a grim picture declaring things are worse than we ever imagined it was a stark reminder of the challenges ahead and one that resonated with many who are feeling the pinch sakir echoed Chancellor Rachel Reeves's alarming assertion of a 22 billion pound black hole in the public finances insisting we have to fix the HS we s we have to fix our homes our schools it's a tall order and one that has many wondering how labor plans to tackle these pressing issues as he laid out his vision sakir didn't sugarcoat the reality Labour's first budget in October is set to be painful this was his way of his way of preparing the public for the inevitable tax hikes that are on the horizon it's a tough pill to swallow especially for those already grappling with Rising costs but the backlash is palpable Labor's decision to restrict winter fuel payments to only those on pension credit means that around 10 million older people will be left out in the cold this move has sparked outrage as many feel it's a betrayal of those who have contributed to Society for decades in summary sakir st's attempts to navigate the storm of criticism surrounding winter fuel payments reveal the complexities of leadership in challenging times as labor braces for a difficult budget the question remains can they truly deliver on their promises without leaving the most vulnerable behind the coming months will be crucial in determining the party's fate and the well-being of Millions