Labour MP Jeevun Sandher has insisted he is comfortable with the Government’s decision to slash Winter Fuel Payments for thousands of pensioners.
Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been on the defensive in recent weeks, insisting they are not set to impose a new form of austerity.
From this autumn, older people in England and Wales not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will not get the payments, worth between £100 - £300.
Labour have cited a £22bn public finance ‘black hole’ that needs to be plugged, and speaking on GB News, Sandher said the move is a necessary one.
Jeevun Sandher says he is 'comfortable' with winter fuel cuts
PA / GB NEWS
“I asked pensioners if they are struggling with their bills, they said no”, he said.
“I said, on the other side of it, if you are struggling we have pension credit and if you are just above the pension credit household, the household support fund”, he said.
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Sandher joined Camilla Tominey on GB News
GB NEWS
“If any of my constituents are watching and you are struggling as pensioners, please do get in touch. We will help with your application.”
Camilla interjected to ask: “Isn’t it embarrassing for you, as a leftie, this idea that Labour come into power and then penalise seemingly some of the most vulnerable people in our society?
“We have 10 million pensioners affected by this. I think it was seen as something that might affect wealthy boomers who are seen not to need their winter fuel allowance because they are already loaded.
“Lots of people here are going to be adversely affected. They are on the breadline and they need that £300. You must be uncomfortable with it?”
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“I know how difficult it is. I used to work at the Treasury and I was shocked by what I heard.
“Means-tested fuel allowance is there for the poorest pensioners, those who get Pension Credit, the state pension went up by £900 last April and £400 the coming April. There is enough help there.”
Camilla said she “can’t believe” what she was hearing from the Labour MP, saying politicians from Starmer’s party had been “lining up” to slam Tory cuts, but have come to power and “aped” the decisions.
“I can’t believe you’re sitting here saying you’re happy with pensioners losing £300 of support”, she added.
Sandher insisted he “isn’t happy” with support being cut, but insisted the Labour Party have inherited a difficult situation from the previous government.