Health Secretary Wes Streeting has acknowledged that voters have sent Labour a "loud and clear message" following recent election results, including the loss of a parliamentary seat to Reform UK.
Speaking on GB News, Streeting was asked whether the Government is set to row back on its decision to slash winter fuel payments for thousands of pensioners.
He admitted that voters had made their feelings known about the government's performance.
"Voters have sent us a loud and very clear message that if we don't deliver the change they voted for last year, they will look for change elsewhere," he said.
The comments come as Downing Street reportedly considers changes to its controversial winter fuel payment policy.
Wes Streeting said he is not privy to winter fuel reversal talks
GB NEWS
Streeting said he is not privy to those discussions, but highlighted Labour's efforts to address cost of living concerns, which have been a key voter priority.
"On cost of living, one of the reasons I froze prescription charges for the first time in years just last week is because we realise cost of living is a real challenge for people," he explained.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Rachel Reeves's winter fuel allowance cuts proved unpopular
GETTYHe pointed to positive economic indicators, saying: "Wages are rising faster than living costs for the first time in years."
The Health Secretary also noted that the government had "put pay up for three million of the lowest paid workers with the minimum wage increase last month."
Streeting claimed the government is making "real progress" on NHS issues, another top voter concern.
"At the NHS, I would argue we are making real progress. Waiting lists have fallen in the last six months. We are delivering our pledges, often earlier than we said we would," he stated.
Wes Streeting says he and the Government are 'impatient for change'
GB NEWS
However, he acknowledged many voters still face healthcare challenges.
"I'm sure when I talk about waiting lists, some of our viewers would say, 'I'm still waiting', or if I talk about more GPs, 'I still can't get an appointment'," Streeting admitted.
He emphasised that addressing such large-scale problems "takes time".
On border security, Streeting highlighted significant progress in addressing migration concerns.
"Deportations, for example, rose by 24,000 when we came into office. That is the highest we have seen for years," he said.
He outlined upcoming initiatives to strengthen border controls.
"There's more to come with the Home Secretary's immigration white paper. As well as speeding up deportations, she is working with countries like France and further afield like Iran to stem the problem at source."
Border security has been identified as one of the top three voter priorities alongside cost of living and NHS concerns.
Streeting concluded by acknowledging the government needs to deliver more substantial change to retain voter support.
"With the scale of the problems of the challenge facing our country, it does take time but we know that unless people feel change at the next general election, they will look elsewhere," he warned.
The Health Secretary emphasised the government's determination to accelerate reforms.
"We as a Government are impatient for change. We know we have more to do and that was why the prime minister wants to see results further and faster."
