Ministers no longer plan to hand what remains of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme to former miners, PoliticsHome reports. It says Labour MPs from mining seats were told on Tuesday 27 October, the eve of the Budget.
PoliticsHome reports that the remaining funds are "believed to be worth £1.2bn". It understands the Treasury instead wants to renegotiate the existing 50/50 surplus-sharing arrangement.
Backbenchers are lobbying No 10 before the Chancellor, John Healey, delivers his statement on Wednesday. According to PoliticsHome, they warn of a "betrayal" that Reform UK could exploit. The report carries no comment from the Treasury or No 10, and the claim has not been independently confirmed.
"We owe a moral duty to the miners and the government must show that it has listened, understands and will act in this matter."
That was John Trickett, Labour MP for Normanton and Hemsworth, speaking to PoliticsHome. An unnamed Labour MP told the outlet: "I hope John [Healey] makes the right decision; miners and their families are part of our core voters."
At her first Budget in 2024, Rachel Reeves, then Chancellor, transferred £1.5bn to scheme members. That figure matches reporting by IPE at the time.