Labour’s planned spending cuts prompted lively debate on GB News as Martin Daubney locked horns with a former adviser for the party, Paul Richards.
According to Richards, Labour’s decision to take away winter fuel payments from thousands of pensioners was forced thanks to a dire financial situation left by the previous government.
But Daubney put it to Richards that Labour’s own data suggested such a move risks the lives of many.
“It’s all pure speculation, we haven’t had a budget yet”, said Richards.
Martin Daubney clashed with Paul Richards on GB News
GB NEWS
“The job Rachel [Reeves] has to do is to try and repair some of the damage done over the past 14 years of lack of investment and productivity.”
Martin countered: “Don’t you think the black hole is made bigger by things like giving £10 billion to your union mates and a flipping big wad of cash to train drivers? Isn’t this about priorities? It seems the priority for this Government at the moment is train drivers over pensioners.”
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Rachel Reeves PAPaul insisted the money spent by Labour to come to an agreement with train drivers is a positive move as it will help avert future strikes.
“I’m sure pensioners feel much happier about that”, Martin sarcastically remarked.
“Some of those pensioners are in fact, former train drivers, so let’s not try and pit one group against another”, said Richards.
“I have to say, the hole Rachel is trying to fill, the Government has been warning us for weeks that the situation is dire. It’s going to be grim this winter, but it will get better.
The pair went head-to-head on GB News in a debate you can watch above
GB NEWS
“No government can come in and wave a magic wand but I think the government is doing the right thing, we’ve seen some good investment announcements and we’re going to see more foreign investment into the UK.”
“Do you admit the winter fuel allowance cut just seems like a ham-fisted mistake?”, Daubney asked.
“We’ve locked in the triple-lock which means pensions will go up, the ham-fistedness has been in the sequencing of announcements. There have been issues around the way announcements have come out of Downing Street.
“Hopefully there has been a grip on that. The situation we have inherited has been dire and people have to realise that.”
Martin argued Labour have got their priorities wrong, saying Starmer’s Government has found billions for carbon capture projects while thousands of pensioners are set to go cold.
“Carbon capture will create jobs”, Richards insisted.
“It will deliver proper jobs in science and technology and equip the next generation for some high tech jobs.”
Age UK’s analysis found four in every five pensioners living below or just above the poverty line will lose the winter fuel payment under planned benefit cuts.
A Government spokesman said: “We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.
“Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take up has already seen a 152 per cent increase in claims. Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills over winter while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”
Age UK is urging any older person living on a low income or struggling with their bills to contact its free advice line on 0800 678 1602 to check they are receiving all the financial support available.