Sian Berry, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, has responded to the news that the House of Commons has approved the scrapping of the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners in the UK.
While MPs signed off the controversial measure by 348 to 228 this afternoon, around 50 Labour members abstained from the division.
The result – which drew shouts of ‘shame’ in the chamber – came after a bruising debate, with warnings that panicking old people are planning to ride buses all day and go to bed at 5pm to stay warm.
Sian Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “The reckless plan to cut winter fuel payments amounts to an unjustified and cruel assault on pensioners’ finances, mental and physical health. Whilst the lack of more substantial opposition from Labour MPs is a disappointing signal that most will answer only to the Labour whips – and not to their constituents or their conscience.
“Rather than so called “tough choices” that hit the poorest hardest, I’d like to see the Government make a “tough decision” that lands on those with the broadest shoulders and tax wealth fairly in the upcoming budget.”
