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Attempt to block winter fuel cut fails in Commons
We’ll bring you a full breakdown of the result, including how many Labour MPs refused to support the government, as soon as we have the numbers.
It means the government won the vote with a majority of 120.
Recap: A tense debate over winter fuel payments
We’ve just heard a very lively debate in the Commons and MPs are now voting on a Tory motion to block the government’s changes to winter fuel payment eligibility. While we’re waiting for that result, here’s a recap of what we’ve been listening to.
- Government line: Liz Kendall, the pensions secretary, said the country can’t afford to pay a benefit to wealthier pensioners, and her department is working to identify those who will be eligible for the payment once they have registered with authorities
- Tory attacks: Mel Stride, the Conservative shadow pensions secretary, called the policy “absurd” and said it will “cause untold hardship to millions”
- Fiery debate: Labour’s Meg Hillier – the new Treasury Select Committee chair – said the policy is the result of the “chickens coming home to roost” on the economic policies of the previous government, while Tory MP Dr Caroline Johnson – an NHS consultant – outlined the potential health impacts of the cold on the elderly, warning some “people will die”
- Fiery debate: Labour’s Meg Hillier – the new Treasury Select Committee chair – said the policy is the result of the “chickens coming home to roost” on the economic policies of the previous government, while Tory MP Dr Caroline Johnson – an NHS consultant – outlined the potential health impacts of the cold on the elderly, warning some “people will die”
- Labour rebellion brewing? Labour’s Rachael Maskell said she will abstain, and other MPs from the government’s own benches called for changes to the policy. John McDonnell, who is already suspended from Labour for rebelling over the two-child benefit cap, said he would back the Tory motion
- Opposition across House: Liberal Democrat, SNP and DUP MPs all spoke out against the plans during the debate
- Labour rebellion brewing? Labour’s Rachael Maskell said she will abstain, and other MPs from the government’s own benches called for changes to the policy. John McDonnell, who is already suspended from Labour for rebelling over the two-child benefit cap, said he would back the Tory motion
Save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners
Millions of struggling pensioners won’t receive up to £300 they rely on to pay their bills.
The Government should halt their proposed change to the Winter Fuel Payment and think again.
Sign Age UK’s petition to save the winter fuel payment for struggling pensioners.
