Why Has the Government Picked on Pensioners?

Widower Elaine Yates tells Susanna and Ed that it took her six weeks to fill out the pension credit application form. She explains that she doesn't cook meals because she doesn't want to turn on her oven because it's too expensive to use.
Susanna challenges Jonathan Reynolds about Labour's decision to withdraw the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners, and Ed tells Jonathan that viewers can't understand why the government have picked on pensioners to help close the financial black hole.
Broadcast on 10/09/24
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#GMB #winterfuelpayments #government #politics #labour

[@arleneevans6342]

If the black hole is real then there is no money to send overseas and yet the government has committed to do so. The needs of British people must be prioritised over overseas. This man had absolutely no impathy towards pensioners and therefore not fit for office imo

[@bogbrush999]

You don't understand international politics , do you?

[@stevencharnock9271]

@@bogbrush999 You don't understand that the governments first priority is the people of this country. If you look at these chart that was on the back of your tax paperwork a larger % of tax page went on foreign aid than went to the EU where at least we got some return. Once the money goes to these countries we have no control of how much is syphoned off.

[@d-padqueen1103]

@@bogbrush999 Doesn't understand economy either, because money overseas isn't given out, it's usually a "loan"

[@d-padqueen1103]

@@stevencharnock9271 Yeah and you honestly think that money was given out free with no kickbacks, don't you? 🙄

[@alexnelson9512]

Don’t you understand? That is precisely the reason that he got his job - he’s employed to do what he does and he is following the party line.

[@drstrangelove4998]

This man is an utter weasel, his boss is a liar, he promised not to touch the winter fuel allowance in his pre election speeches. The UK state pension is the lowest in the EU by HALF or even less. Even the Greek pension is twice as high as ours! Meanwhile MPs are happy to take £1,000s in their own heating allowances.

[@kevthegerb7066]

of course he's a weasel. He's a barrister - equates to prefessional liar

[@magni2073]

Yes that really irk's me that they are over the limit but still take their heating allowance for Second homes and the next over the top pay rise. No scruples .

[@maggiecronje4796]

Your pensioners are in the same boat as here in South Africa. Here some pensioners can't even effort food. They buy dog and cat food and most of the time they are without water and electricity 😢

[@markrainford1219]

TBF Greece is bankrupt.

[@serif392]

What an utter disgrace..I had heard that about SA..very sad.​@@maggiecronje4796

[@Nippa_play]

Dodging the questions again and again, I'm sickened by this labour government and its incompetence.

[@johnwilliams7653]

If only it were merely incompetence - this is premeditated cruelty.

[@mogadon7]

EVIL

[@mrpaul5726]

My mum is 90 with Alzheimer's, she receives a total of £1,000 every 4 weeks in total (everything) we pay £500 every 4 weeks for social care out of that money. She now has to fully pay her TV License even though she is partially blind and partially deaf, but worse of all as her late husband who served on HMS Nigeria in WW2 on the Artic runs and died and left her slightly over the savings limit, (which she refuses to spend on principle by the way he was 99 when he passed) she gets no pension creditor any other benefit, so she now also loses the £500 winter fuel allowance. Goodness when her husband shivered in the Artic and risked his life, he really thought his Widow would be cared for in her old age, lest we forget.

[@Hoffinator]

She should be able to get pension credit and as for the TV license she qualifies for a free one, just go to their website and fill out the necessary info (You will need to upload documents such as proof of address etc)

[@johndonnelly597]

Lest we Forget . Kier Starman can stay away from the Cenotaph in November what would take him there ???

[@junehitchcock170]

@@Hoffinator. 30+ pages to fill in to apply!!

[@junehitchcock170]

Take away the MPs second home allowances including heating their second homes. Another is stop their freebies in the House of Commons restaurant. - no alcohol to be allowed on work premises!!; no subsidised meals; taxi fares and certainly no free parking. As in all NHS hospitals - if nurses have to pay full price so can well paid expense account MPs!! That will go some way to achieving savings.

[@scotttait2197]

Simple don't pay the tv licence it's propaganda your paying for

[@vaughanellis7866]

Any Labour MP who votes to support cutting the Winter Fuel Allowance will undoubtedly NOT be re-elected if they do not find themselves recalled immediately after the vote.

[@kimthom5793]

Ours in Newham agreed to it😢.

[@kevinkevin-ug9po]

Recall petitions need to be done.

[@Cromwelldunbar]

That doesn’t worry them - they’re where they are - raking in their very comfortable and generous stipends for the next five years - time enough to improve their standings for better jobs - At present they’re not even accountable for results! Remember Mutt and Jeff the pair of Civil Service Parliamentary back-ups at the Special Hearing on the continuing rise in population by illegals immigrants who had no idea at all of the numbers coming over ….Maybe they should ban the old song “Nice Work if you can get it it but you can get it I& you try tra la la!” As for government….and its supporters…they are only there because of the appalling results of the FPTP electoral fix! And their attitudes confirm it! Not a milligram of humble pie in Starmer and Yvette Cooper attitudes!

[@DavidMargerison]

Both Warrington MPs voted to slash it.

[@katscotty]

There is nothing more miserable than being cold especially in your home

[@IeuanBevan.]

As long as the illegal immigrants have unlimited free heating, food, beds, even phones its alllllll fineeeeeeee

[@tracysmith-yv5lt]

there is not being able to go out in the sun is more miserable have it both ways please make sure to have vitamin D in the winter months

[@johnwilliams7653]

Unfortunately there is - being old, lonely, ill, cold & hungry in your own home make a cocktail of misery worse than merely being cold.

[@johnwilliams7653]

@@IeuanBevan. The 6th richest country in the world could cope with both were the will to do so in play. Let the immigrants work, then tax them appropriately & both problems are sorted: the govt would have some money to meet the needs of the elderly without having to face up to taxing the rich as they should.

[@jayneryle530]

​@@IeuanBevan.Quite right but we're not allowed to think that any more let alone say it😣

[@biggobmalc8118]

Every single Labour Party MP or MP that votes in favour of having the winter fuel allowance withdrawn should be named and shamed.

[@BlueSabor]

100%

[@lewismcdonald9691]

That happens with every vote in Parliament

[@jamborino2940]

Nah, they should be celebrated. Moving to means tested hand outs is the way forward. Maybe if pensioners hadn't voted for Brexit and 14 years of Tory chaos we wouldn't be in a situation where things like this are taken from them. I applaud Labours decision.

[@Gobshitecxxt]

Ur right their let these old people have their money they deserve to be warm have a bit of heart ❤ mate

[@AmateurHEROduelist]

They are named lol up to you to shame them

[@SharonSmith-c6x]

Starmer and the Labour government should be ashamed of themselves.Why not make your difficult decisions and tax the energy companies instead? they’ve more money than the pensioners. They are making millions. Shame on you all. 😡

[@mrtuk4282]

2 Tier Starmer why don't you donate clothes to help them get warm since you got quite a bundle load from somebody !

[@mogadon7]

Thinking about living in a SHED. Shame on Keir Stalin.

[@gillianlaing1073]

Stop picking on the vulnerable, first the disabled, now the pensioners!! This is shocking 😲

[@martinranalli8572]

They are easy targets. They wouldn't dare target the Muslims, LGBTQ etc.

[@gailhorochuk1269]

greay

[@emstirling-is4nu]

They are coming for the rest of us next!

[@georgeL56426]

It’s disgusting the pm should be ashamed of himself and the whole government needs scrapping

[@robtheplod]

This cut for pensioners is peanuts compared to other savings they chose not to make - foreign aid, immigration costs...... etc etc...

[@lloydnaylor6113]

Above inflation pay rises for public sector workers , junior doctors and £60k train drivers ,now £70k train drivers.

[@thedreamer3454]

You think immigration cost more ... Clearly u have no concept lol

[@SusanDean-n7x]

Miniscule

[@xfactor6099]

money to ukraine......

[@emstirling-is4nu]

Money/NHS/Dentist/food/hotel accommodation or free home/for the illegals...that alone would pay off all deficits. Time they woke up and did the right thing.@@lloydnaylor6113

[@pheart2381]

Imagine surviving the pandemic, simply to be left to die of hypothermia by a government you payed tax to all your life.

[@michaellewis6510]

Yes so well said

[@MaureenWhybrow]

I am so glad labour were not in charge during the pandemic, we would have been lucky to get any vaccine and many more lives would have even lost

[@thegameisriggednwo1099]

Blame all those that voted in Labour.

[@awolwakefieldyorkshire]

@@MaureenWhybrow I worked as a bus driver through the Pandemic and didn't take the so called Vaccine. I didn't take one day off although some colleagues who took the so called Vaccine were taking weeks off with Covid ????

[@hayleys-w5q]

Well, if younger people don't band together and fight for them ...

[@serenityabound5052]

Answer the question!!!! It’s cruel taking it away from pensioners.

[@colinireson9339]

The day a politician answers a straight question with a straight answer pigs will be looping-the-loop.

[@ronaldagregory4831]

The statement that 'Fuel bills will be lower this year', when there's a hike in fuel prices are due in October. Talk about being out of touch

[@kevthegerb7066]

It's purely lying.

[@sueshrubsole3712]

​@kevthegerb7066 that's why they are called LIE BOUR

[@mmc5005]

I am sure these MPs will stay warm and cosy this winter.

[@johnmaurer2035]

£11,400 is f**k all these days.

[@AnnalyFaith]

That’s less than 1k/m when MP’s say they need 2nd jobs because 90k is not enough to live off! And they write off thousands in expenses as well! It’s disgusting

[@lindawalters7534]

He’s getting hot under the collar absolutely think he can talk his way out of this governments treatment to all our people absolutely disgusting

[@emstirling-is4nu]

I doubt many will be getting that much.

[@andrewdutton1003]

Shame you didn't ask why pensioners have to suffer, when illegal immigrants who never have and never will contribute to the system, get put up in hotels etc all paid for by the British taxpayer Will they be cold this winter ????

[@saminazarene6883]

Immigrants have ALL their bills paid for while they wait for permission to stay. Lovely warm homes..council houses and flats.

[@emstirling-is4nu]

Just said the same thing.@@saminazarene6883

[@Papario1113]

This is NOT Labour as we knew it. Shame on the NEW Labour party. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!

[@Solsbeary]

pensioners had it good for 14 years, now they know how its felt being a worker this past decade

[@Cate6893]

​@@Solsbearypensioners have worked for many years and paid into the system. Nasty comment.

[@BlueSabor]

@@Solsbeary Shut up! I put into the system for 5 decades.

[@norman7527]

@@Solsbeary Not the brightest are you. Stop reading and watching the Daily Mail ,BBC, SKY News.etc

[@malcolmstockbridge2569]

@@Cate6893 You seem to leave out that they also had many years to save and prepare for old age instead of relying on others or the Government to do it for them, we all have choices through life and we all know old age is coming.

[@francis88825]

But those illegal immigrants in the hotels have had their heating on even through summer. This government are a DISGRACE......

[@manoo422]

They had no problem spending £11Billion on foreign climate projects or £9Billion giving doctors 22% pay rise or £8.5Billion on 'British Energy' to say nothing of the usual £9Billion on foreign aid...

[@markhutton6055]

I'm 62 so not a pensioner. I work for myself, work 50 to 90 hours a week. This will be the third winter I will be unable to heat the house.

[@markrainford1219]

You got some expensive habits then pal.

[@kepeb1]

@@markrainford1219 Yea, Eating... Trying to give it up myself, waste of money.

[@annbow4064]

I'm 64 only have part time work live alone, don't drive and have not put my heating on for years unless there is snow so my pipes don't burst

[@derryshore5586]

​@@annbow4064I did that last winter I have an electric blanket..Only thing is,It created mould in the bedroom. I had to get it treated,not good to have mould especially with a heart condition. Otherwise I did cope,as blanket was warm and very cheap to run. I bought my elderly neighbour one..She was so happy bless her..

[@markh7484]

Naive of me perhaps, but wouldn't it be refreshing if government representatives sometimes said, "you know what, you're right, I cannot defend this".

[@paulinepress3024]

That would be far too honest for an MP

[@LolaKatros-mf6ti]

It's also refreshing to know the state of the countries finances and not being distracted with other policies, all of which needed money that the Conservatives kept pumping into but achieved nothing. Being told that things are actually going to be tough before they can get better rather than pretend everything is fine. Just to clarify, it is not a right to live a comfortable life without a single hardship from birth to death. Believing that is purely unrealistic

[@stevenmcnicoll5060]

That would require a core set of moral values combined with an understanding of shame.

[@jackthedude123]

Sounds like every week under the u-turning tories - lead from the front not follow from the back

[@melanieberry8724]

Why not reduce a couple of billion from the amount they are sending to Africa for their green agenda

[@jackieemslie]

just stop MPs expenses

[@kiwicol7383]

Yeah as if they are going to do th

[@rippy123456]

They say you can judge a Government on how it treats it's most vulnerable.... Enough said!

[@urbanfox53]

Reynolds is squirming, waffling, and deflecting. Will not answer the question, typical MP.

[@clivejones5561]

And while we all debate the winter fuel allowance, THE BOATS ARE STILL ARRIVING

[@993Redveg]

The boats are not the issue - the refusal to tax those who are obscenely rich (and mostly from the public purse) is.

[@carolevans5285]

Spot on

[@carolevans5285]

No there a big part of this . They are being given everthing and our oaps have to suffer . R u living in the real world 🌎 😂

[@Hoffinator]

@@993Redveg Those illegal immigrants that come on those boats are put up in hotels and costs the United Kingdom £8million a DAY so yes, they ARE the issue

[@philoshea4766]

Yes! And I’m sure they are nice and warm in their hotels.

[@susanmiller14]

A 1% tax on the top 50 families in the country would bring in £24bn. Winter fuel brings in £1.4bn. Why did labour not choose that? This man does not understand how the majority of pensioners live.

[@mikerobb8838]

No! Labour just don't care

[@jamborino2940]

@@susanmiller14 conservatives had 14 years to do the same. If you're going to moan about any government it should be the Tories, not the party who have been in power for two months.

[@martinmurphy9679]

The majority of pensioners are well off.

[@johnwilliams7653]

That would require courage as the rich might fight back, rather than die cold, hungry & alone as widows will.

[@johnwilliams7653]

@@jamborino2940 The question ought to be how do we get rid of both?

[@garrybowers414]

They don't care.billions for other countries

[@LolaKatros-mf6ti]

They made a decision not to send so much support to Isreal in order to save money...that is the opposite of what you're suggesting.

[@susanbrown1090]

And will not tell us how much they are spending on keeping illegal immigrants warm, fed and given money for nothing🤬🤬🤬

[@sidgibson5414]

@@LolaKatros-mf6ti you did see how much they send to India and China right? Never mind how much they spend on the netzero nonsense at home and abroad?

[@petecoventry6858]

The Millionaire Presenters can't get their head around such poverty

[@nerdydrew6818]

@@LolaKatros-mf6tibut still send over £10,000,000,000 to African countries to buy wind turbines and solar panels for them 😒

[@cp4512]

Labour could have chosen to tax the very profitable energy companies more to pay the pensioners fuel allowance. Wonder why they didn’t 🤔

[@stratoreyener461]

the companies woule likely push the price up on consumers to cover the tax unless said price is capped so they can't up the price

[@mattg56]

I'll be honest I'm not the biggest fan of Susanna but she has handled this issue brilliantly. I love her outrage and I totally empathise with the pensioners this will affect.

[@annealbrecht396]

The MP should hold is head in shame, I hope the people voted for him will remember this when the By Elections come around

[@paulwilliams5013]

...he sounded like just another soulless Labour narc. to me! The lovely guests and presenters..actual humans!

[@garybarnett2756]

All labour do is play the blame game,they have taken the title from the tories as the nasty party.

[@carolevans5285]

Spot on he don't care. It's f u jack were alright

[@baronsilverbaron757]

Winter fuel payment. I don't know what all the fuss is about. Simple solution: Either make the state pension equivalent to an MP's pension or an MP's pension the same as the normal state pension.

[@Jo-sp5cp]

Mps get their fuel bills paid for by the taxpayer.

[@gillianforrester558]

Sometimes for two homes. The one in their constituency and the one in central London!!

[@SusanDean-n7x]

Sounds fair 🤔

[@kriss506]

A brilliant idea!

[@Derrick-r3c]

Typical labour. Give with one hand, say how wonderful and generous it is; then take back via scrapping heating allowance, pushing pensioners to pay income tax via stagnation of tax limit, take away free tv licence, take away single person ct allowance, artificially increase the cost of energy; then have the gall to gaslight the public to say how caring and magnaminous they are and we should be happy with the meagre rise next April. By then they will find another way to make pensioners worse off -AGAIN.

[@SusanDean-n7x]

Don't forget the free prescriptions that keep people alive Or the bus passes that a lot rely on.

[@Budbusta]

Labour MPs must be fearing for their and their families safety. This crazy government decision over the winter fuel payment is escalating into a very worrying situation.

[@pearlford121]

I agree. I have said this many times. There will be a lotttt of very angry people and a lot that could take the law into their own hands 🤞and i for one will have no pity for Starmer as he is his own worst enemy !!!!

[@nicoladavies-ev9iu]

@@pearlford121 And no pity for Reeves😈what goes around comes around 🇬🇧✝🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Louis-t6p]

Where has the money come from to support illegal immigrants ? Where has the money come from to give the rail drivers a 20% pay rise without any increased productivity? I"ll tell you where - it's the Pensioners who are the 'Paymasters' !

[@adrianbrown1492]

Labour have picked on pensioners because the majority of pensioners don't vote for Labour. Simple

[@Capri-x8m]

And they won't riot.

[@thedreamer3454]

O well .... Thank your last gover for this...if u lot didn't vote then in then u wouldn't be here

[@mcgillyface]

They are a burden on our economy because they are living longer that’s why they are targeting them.

[@Carol_in_Spain]

Or they are thinking that a lot of those pensioners won't be here at the next GE

[@mcgillyface]

@@Carol_in_Spain that’s why they keep pushing the pensions back because they know some die before they are eligible to claim it.

[@suzielynne9421]

Regardless of the votes by other Labour MPs, This will be Labours legacy. Never forget what Labour are prepared to do.

[@crayontom9687]

It’ll be forgotten in a few weeks

[@thedreamer3454]

Are u forgetting your last government gave u brexit, stole billions from COVID and crashed the economy multiple times lol. But your moaning about this 😊

[@richardgodfrey3456]

So your making it clear you will ignore ALL 5 reform MPs voted with him are you?

[@suzielynne9421]

@@richardgodfrey3456 read it again.

[@richardgodfrey3456]

@suzielynne9421 you should give it a go as Farage voted for it along with his tax evading pals

[@norman7527]

Let's be honest. They, the government, want to bump these poor people off

[@Jo-sp5cp]

Midazolam in the pandemic it'll be the cold this year.

[@peterwickett9088]

Yer they paid there tax and now government want them gone

[@bloodmoon1956]

@norman7527 yep,so crystal clear isn’t it?

[@d-padqueen1103]

Said it before, will say it again: they're just as bad as the tories. It doesn't matter who you vote for, you're going to get someone picking the public purse and picking on vulnerable people!

[@martinmurphy9679]

Hancock's already sorted that.

[@jonathankay8079]

Good job Susanna thank you for asking those questions. ❤

[@melvyn3426]

As a 90year old pensioner with Asthma ,COPD and a pace maker I have to keep warm ,otherwise I will die of cold I am over the threshold for credit so I won’t get the fuel allowance ,they don’t realize the implications of their actions .

[@stevvieb]

Because the pensioners are NOT their target voters the stabby boat people are.

[@cathmacrae2346]

That's true but what they fail to appreciate is that pensioners are the parents and grandparents of their target demographic,and they will be held responsible for their actions in the future

[@James_Rivett]

@@cathmacrae2346 its true. I was brought up to feel how terrible Thatcher was because of her pole tax. It wasn't until I was older I was able to learn of the pros and cons of her premiership. and make my own mind up

[@petergilkes7082]

​@@James_RivettAnd then you knew she was evil!

[@petergilkes7082]

@@James_Rivett I was told you'd commented on a post of mine. I can't find what you wrote so it must have been pretty awful. If it wasn't bad, repost it. OK?

[@James_Rivett]

@@petergilkes7082 or is it KZbin censoring freespeech as per Sir Starmers Marxist wishes?

[@colinnewmarch1106]

If this happened in France,roads would be blockaded,farmers would spread muck on roads,petrol stations cut off ,but here in the UK, the FAR RIGHT just make another cup of tea ,it's pathetic

[@peterwickett9088]

Yer we have got a government who don’t care and weak people

[@BibaSenana]

Correct.. ppl should do it in uk but they only go there screaming establish sharia law or criticized Israel who was attacked 7 Oct 23 by Hamas ...nonsense in 🇬🇧. 🤦

[@rawree1944]

Starmers Stasi police would have you locked up now if your protest isn't the 'right sort of protest'...

[@ecnalms851]

Well France taxes much more

[@marigoldwhite867]

It's true protest then jail

[@siburrman6111]

Feels like I’m watching the purge. Disgusting 🤢

[@BlueSabor]

100%

[@pheart2381]

Yes it's a cull.

[@markabrahams2191]

Started in earnest in 2020 , if if some people do not like to realise that

[@CarolAubery]

Not much to live for this winter thanks Labour starmer terrible man bet all the mps were frightened of losing there jobs bet there nice and warm this winter terrible country

[@stewartyboy]

well done Ms Reid for trying to hold this slippery dissembler to account.

[@keithg1xfl]

They are NOT Difficult Decisions, YOU made them Difficult

[@993Redveg]

Agreed. It is not "difficult" to punch down and hurt the vulnerable. What is far too difficult for the LINO (Labour-In-Name-Only Party) is to even contemplate taxing the ill-gotten gains of the rich. What craven cowards!!

[@bobbailey7024]

The poorest and pensioners are also hit disproportionately by VAT, council tax, green energy surcharge, and "standing charges which is over £350 p.a. without using any energy at all. Over 10 million pensioners to be affected - but Labour have forgotten that most of those 10 million, have sons, daughters and grand children who will be less than pleased watching their elderly relatives suffering and maybe dying. This government is NOT working for the British people. Their only interest seems to be welcoming, sheltering and feeding people who have no right to be in the UK.They have just utterly destroyed themselves at the ballot box.

[@johnwilliams7653]

They are gabling that the tories will not have recovered within 5 years. The appalling reality is that they may be right - who wants the tories back anyway?

[@charliebrandt2263]

Proving that first past the post is a con to keep the status quo alive. i.e. more of the same dishonesty and lying that any government here is all about nowadays.

[@carolevans5285]

Spot on

[@cafsixtieslover]

Energy bills are higher not lower this year and the new triple lock does not kick in until next Spring. This Government is a disgrace. I am forced to continue working full time at the age of 70 because I dare not stop. There are plenty of other decisions that could have been made to fill this so called black hole that would have been far better.

[@pennoisit]

I am 69 and still working and there are millions of others

[@jamborino2940]

@@cafsixtieslover you're still working because of your poor financial planning. That's your fault, no one else's.

[@lorrainesheridan496]

I worked all my life until 67 but my husband MS meant I needed to be home. We cannot always plan as you seem to think.

[@jamborino2940]

@@lorrainesheridan496 I'm sorry for your situation, I wish you and your husband well but doesn't that make my point equally relevant. We all know we are going to get older and sicker which is why proper financial responsibility is needed to ensure we can survive in old age.

[@martinmurphy9679]

Ofgem energy price cap 2023 winter until 31 March, £4,059/year. Ofgem energy price cap 1st October to 31st December 2024, £1,717/year.

[@jeanlowen4213]

But there is money to pay hotels for illegal migrants., they will be kept fed and warm during the winter. Also a lot of pensioners are the ones that worked and helped rebuild this country after WW11.

[@waynedaraban3668]

Because they have to keep all the ILLEGAL immigrants in the country.

[@MsCazanova55]

Instead of giving winter fuel allowance to people who don't need it why not raise the tax threshold so that low income pensioners and low income people benefit..win, win..

[@rrstows3522]

Because the allowance ,now becomes taxable been used to pay the triple lock increases

[@arthurdixon5890]

I’m like Rob, at 74 I still have to work full time. I am lucky, I am still able to work. It is those who can’t work who need the heating allowance. Shame on Labour!!!

[@user-gu1un7pb7k]

Those who can't work and can't afford energy bills still get winter fuel payments. It's now means-tested, as all benefits should be

[@davfree9732]

My parents are in their 70's and both have medical problems that require I help out from time to time... But when we had the energy crisis a few years back I kept the heating in my house off so I could help them pay for theirs. Labours decision is going to affect more than the elderly and those who are still in work who are prepared to sacrifice for our elders may also freeze this winter. Heating is by economic definition a 'need' in the winter along with food, clothing shelter and healthcare... and Labour have decided that this need is one people can do without, thus we will see a higher death toll due to a basic need not being affordable for our elders this winter.

[@jamborino2940]

Maybe you should have managed your money better throughout your life rather than expect state handouts?

[@mebymyself2816]

@@jamborino2940 Maybe when you are pensioner after a lifetime of manual work you will understand how crass your trolling little statement is.

[@arthurdixon5890]

@@davfree9732 Well done and respect! The ripples in society Labour will cause with this 14 year plot will affect many families. My father-in-law lives more than 200 miles from us and has needed assistance weekly and now fortnightly. The talk of pay-per-mile tax for driving to assist him will take more money from us. I don’t think Labour will be hiring thousands of home help people for families in our situation. Shame on Labour.

[@user-dk6jb6hq9t]

Defending the indefensible

[@johnwilliams7653]

Have no sympathy - the gravy train's dining car is always available to Govt ministers, not to mention the gross salary, the perks, the emoluments...

[@SusanDean-n7x]

He's awful

[@CarolAubery]

Name and shame all the mps wat voted for the cut in winter fuel allowance

[@rogerfielding1117]

Happens on every Government vote, see Hansard tomo

[@florenceflorence58]

They could have chosen not to send aid to countries that don’t need it. We give our money away to illegal immigrants but not to pensioners.

[@michaeltownson3318]

Starmer is not drawn into tax on his Crown Prosecution pension they made a special law just for him, billions for unio s foreign green deal countries billions in foreign aid 8 million a day on illegal immigration

[@bobbailey7024]

£8 million per day? And the rest. You can double that figure.

[@Solsbeary]

its £8 million a day on unresolved asylum cases, not illegal immigration. The Tories removed all processing of asylum claims. At least know what you're shouting at!

[@rogernevin7461]

@@bobbailey7024 £3billion a year promised to Ukraine, the most corrupt Country on Earth !

[@kayweallans1856]

We pay tax on our pensions. He makes it sound as though he is doing us a favour. Most of us are over the threshold for Pension Credits.

[@johnwilliams7653]

but still poor.

[@thedreamer3454]

O well u shouldn't have voted in the government and brexit. That's 40 billion a year on brexit and about 40 billion that was taken by the Tories in COVID. So now you have to deal with the circumstances unfortunately. Your group also contributed

[@annk1019]

most of us only just over the threshold.

[@Christine-d2s]

I am £27 over the threshold

[@EziosBladez]

I think what we should look at a little more is that some of these pensioners are literally working full time jobs and still can't make ends meet, something is seriously wrong.

[@del_boy_trotter]

The 'Black Hole' in the finances is the £8.6 billion annual payment towards illegal immigration! That is the Labour Party's priority in both costing and policy!

[@Dagrdottir]

I dont know why they bother having Labour MPs on about this - they should just have an AI voice saying 'weve had to make a difficult decision, pensioners will be better off' over and over again.

[@Moistrazmataz]

Why? They've literally worked all their life and paid their way. Should be more than entitled to it. But no keep bunging money over to the illegal migrants that haven't contributed a dime & continue to live the life of luxury in hotels at taxpayers expenses.

[@Threadbow]

Exactly Enough is enough

[@carolevans5285]

Spot on . Don't forget France they are payed millions to stop them but do nothing. We are a standing joke In the world that's why they all want to come here .

[@sue2512]

Pensioners have children with good memories so even if alot of pensioners die this winter the children wont forget or forgive this labour government

[@mikecook1537]

@@sue2512 how do they die exactly? I've never understood this Don't they call an ambulance?

[@illegalopinions4082]

​@mikecook1537 Being cold predisposes you to illness and takes a toll on your body, depleting physiological reserves to stay warm. It's rough for the young and healthy and it's deadly for the old. If you don't understand how old people are more vulnerable to environmental factors then you are mentally disabled.

[@BlueSabor]

@@mikecook1537 Hypothermia!

[@sharons6891]

@@mikecook1537 The heartless ones never understand. Your day will come though and you'll understand when it is too late.

[@goldenserenity2385]

Many of them will continue to vote in a rigged system, so nothing will change until they are educated enough to understand that none of these electable officials care about the people

[@colinporter7108]

This should be the end of two party politics!

[@blodwen6946]

Reducing the winter fuel allowance for pensioners is false economy. Its a fact that a lot of older people suffer with conditions like arthritis which can be exacerbated by the cold.

[@WingedAngel]

They take money off pensioners, and today they announce giving another extra £600 Million on top of the £3 Billion given to Ukraine this year! 😮

[@TheThinker-ce5kq]

Bonkers.

[@emstirling-is4nu]

Starmer also made a donation to Italy on his visit! I don't think that came out of his own pocket.

[@kevthegerb7066]

Pensioners are an easy target. We hav no union and we can't strike.

[@LolaKatros-mf6ti]

Saying you can't strike is an excuse. Put a sign in front of your house, that's a means to protest. Don't see protesting to the level of Just Stop.Pil or in the recent riots. Those methods push people away from a cause. Do what you can and that is still protest. Being old is not an excuse. You have the ability to be online, organise a protest for others to attend even if you can't go yourself. Stop acting like a victim. BTW I'm poor as 💩 and work full time. To me, this is seeing some fairness being brought back. I pay taxes on a wage that hasn't kept up with inflation at all. I will be in a stone cold house all winter. The young are told to get on with it but it's the same suffering. I ask what pensioners did for themselves this year to not be so reliant on taxpayers and guaranteed very few actual made proper sacrifices to truly prepare for winter. I prepared and still won't have the luxury of heat.

[@davedrake5769]

Pensioners and motorists are both easy targets.

[@stickman18]

Vote them out!

[@lin90210]

I don't use my oven and haven't for years and I'm not a pensioner...

[@annbow4064]

Same here live alone and not used my oven for years and not a pensioner.

[@nickloughrey9841]

well said Susanna!!!!!!!!!

[@sylviaduffin4812]

We voted for Brexit, so Starmer is punishing us!!! Am a 77year old grandmother!

[@chrishodges2911]

Cutting Winter fuel allowance and at the same time giving energy companies green light to raise prices.

[@nthnmonkey]

OVERSEAS AID? Still at 14 Billion? Made any "difficult decisions" on that?

[@swanseacity120]

I cannot believe people are not arguing this point at labour!!! Look after our own first! Climate change and foreign aid could be cut and even a tiny miniscule percentage tax rise on the super rich and the "problems" have disappeared. There's plenty of money out there it's just being taken from the small people and given to the rich and powerful. Strikes need to happen ASAP

[@kriss506]

The UK people are freezing! They need the aid and must be given priority. Obviously the UK cannot afford to pay overseas aid.

[@kriss506]

Exactly

[@user-sb9qn4xw7c]

What a great government for the people somebody on ninety thousand a year telling someone on thirteen thousand a year that they have never had it so good and they are getting a pay rise next year if you survive the cold winter months

[@martinhill9261]

All the Labour MPs have the same set script.

[@Glen-b5n]

All m p s not just liebour

[@IeuanBevan.]

My theory is that they are 'saying' they'll do it (winter fuel allowance from old ppl) so that people get so mad that they end up saying....oh okay well, instead if we can't do that we will increase tax on working people. Gives them so called justification to do it

[@alfching2499]

@@martinhill9261 DIFFICULT DECISIONS

[@thedreamer3454]

All of them do...

[@LeeJohn70]

This Labour Government are a disgrace. Us Voters will never forget what this Labour party has done to the elderly.

[@catherinehamill7223]

People in hotels from other countries will be warm this winter ! So sad this country not sorting our pensioners out ! Discusting there are plenty that will die with cold weather...

[@alanknight8439]

Because they voted for Brexit and they don't vote Labour. They need to be punished.

[@Hoffinator]

You're trolling, right ?

[@SandraDent-lf4xy]

It was on the front of the papers last night saying pensioners would be 1770 pounds better off over the next five years because of Labour, if you take off 1000 pounds of lost winter fuel allowance that leaves 770 pounds. I wish one of these presenters would ask these people why didn't Rachel Reeves cut all the MPs heating allowances, they earn thousands of pounds a year, they don't need the extra money. They say the future is looking bright, not with this government, it's looking grim. It's a good job there are no workhouses or we would all end up in there

[@phil7794]

This Labour guy is sickening to listen to with his lies and distortions and refusal to answer the questions. I had to stop listening to him in the end i felt like throwing up.

[@sylviaduffin4812]

She does not care. She can claim for her heating, even though she is paid over £90,000 from the taxpayer!!!

[@gordontickle1673]

What about all the Expat pensioners who despite paying full contributions all their lives are on frozen Pensions until death no benefits no winter fuel allowance no home help no Dr no Hospital. I retired 7 years ago on 150 pounds a week and it will stay at that amount til the day I die, you can imagine what inflation is doing to us! The UK pays out 4 Billion pounds a year in foreign aid yet it says it can not afford to pay us our rightful dues.

[@paulhughes1697]

How sad and shameful. The labour party should be totally ashamed. The saving stealing from pensioners represents 6 weeks spend on HS2 rail line.

[@pearlford121]

Did u not know narcissists do not feel shame no matter what is said to them. Starmer and Reeves are prime examples of narcissists.

[@lewismcdonald3616]

Pensioners have children and grandchildren and they will not forget Labour traitors

[@dudeyfeb88coach]

It won't matter by 2028 honey baked .Wait and see

[@lewismcdonald9691]

25% pensioners are millionaires it should be means tested.

[@pheart2381]

Not all pensioners have children, or still have contact with them if they do.

[@sueyourself5413]

@@lewismcdonald9691 There's no way that that's true. You honestly believe that 1/4 retirees are millionaires? Where? Monaco?

[@geoffallibone4026]

Well said Grasshopper. If a fly flys around your head is it time for a shower?

[@patriciavian5658]

I am now also paying tax!!!! As a pensioner!!! What??????

[@bernicegardner4019]

My husband is 78 and I am 68 and we both pay tax on our pensions.

[@rogernevin7461]

@@bernicegardner4019 Compared to what i was paid on my small work pension for the last 15 years i now find i'm getting £30 a month less ! due to paying Tax.

[@thedreamer3454]

And you voted for brexit and the Tories .....now your crying. That's about 100 billion u took out the country purse ....

[@sarawhitley-kinzett221]

When I asked if I could apply for Pension Credit several years ago, the civil servant asked me if I owned my own house. When I said yes, he told me that I should reconsider my application because the government have the ability to ask for it back when you die. "It would have to be paid back from your estate" ie my house, that I want to leave to my daughter eventually. Maybe those pensioners "too proud" (making them sound silly) were advised of the same clause?

[@MarkStevens8899]

Ed and Susanna probably voted for Starmer

[@DamienYuen7718]

No more cheap Russian gas. You still buy it but at a higher price and now you take it out on the elderly? Where is your friend America?

[@Benzknees]

Britain didn't use Russian gas, but those in Europe who did are now competing for liquified gas supplies. A lot of which comes from America at a much higher price.

[@DamienYuen7718]

@@Benzknees Britain bought a lot of Russian LNG because it was cheap and nearby They still do but at a higher price. To say that Britain doesn't use LNG from Russia is inaccurate. Every country in EU buys from them. Some just get better deals then others.

[@ecnalms851]

​@@DamienYuen7718 Actually the other comment is right and you're wrong. UK gas imports in 2021 from Russia was only 4%. In 2016, 92% of LNG imports came from Qatar. UK is dependant on Norway and Qatar for gas, we were never dependant on Russia unlike other countries like Germany.

[@DamienYuen7718]

@@ecnalms851 So then you have a greedy and incompetent government who puts the burden on poor and elderly people. That is even worse.

[@jamiecook8239]

Biden shut down America's oil and gas, hence oil fuel prices and high inflation since he got in office

[@JohnHMarsden]

Dodged the question saying the triple lock is still in. Never ever again voting Labour! I am so angry at Labour.

[@Glen-b5n]

Why did you in the first place? There all the same.

[@goldenserenity2385]

All you are doing is voting for what colour of tie the management wear, and nothing else. Meaningful change only ever comes through civil disobedience (for the most part) unless there is a larger driving external force prompting a change

[@LickorishAllsorts]

If you are over the age of thirty then you have no acceptable excuse for voting liebour.

[@robertseavor4304]

What makes you think you will ever be allowed to vote again? Comrade Starmer wants to exert total power over you.

[@milohenry1233]

What did you expect

[@EnglishRose2891]

My children and grandchildren will not forget what Starmer has done

[@crayontom9687]

They won’t care because it doesn’t affect them and they’ll have forgotten by next week, even if they do care

[@thedreamer3454]

Yes they will....same way they forgot about the Tories when they were having parties

[@lizlancaster3692]

No word on giving away 11.5 BILLION to foreign countries for useless green programmes!!

[@stuartjones6924]

I also have been faced with a difficult decision, but now it was made easy! Never vote Labour again!

[@illegalopinions4082]

This is a great example of why taxation is theft. Once that money is taken from you, they have no obligation to spend it on you. They will spend it on whatever they want. In this case, they'll spend it on foreigners who have no right to be here.

[@prideofdurham4776]

I have wiped stuff from the bottom of my shoe that has more charisma , intelligence and honesty than all MPs put together.Starmer out!

[@d-padqueen1103]

Maybe you should watch where you walk and stop treading on everyone else!

[@colettegriffiths8315]

Guess he will be voting for it. Any Labour Mp that does is an absolute disgrace!

[@deanjames2476]

He's starmers number 1 brown noser

[@Dibock-gv3gr]

Because pensioners can not go on strike for more pay like the rest of the rich workers of today.

[@joannhibbitt3246]

We can hit them in the elections in May. If we live through the winter. Reform for me.

[@peterdixon7734]

"Why Has the Government Picked on Pensioners?" Nobody else left, mate.

[@celestialteapot309]

The 22 Bn "black hole" equates to 2% of government expenditure. The triple lock drags more old people into paying 20% tax. Have a nice day

[@evansgwen1123]

It is a disgraceful. Starmer out.

[@kevthegerb7066]

cos people believed him - he is a liar and will do verything he promised not to whilstborrowing money to pay the unions off or stealing from the most vulnerable to pay for it.

[@garysavage5675]

Could have withheld the foreign aid

[@maryreid5191]

If you worked hard and paid into a pension, you get no help with anything. The only people who get everything are the ones who never worked or paid into the system. It's all wrong.

[@patriciayoung5220]

Pensioners are an easy target. They could have given £2bn less to foreign aid and kept the winter fuel allowance, this shower are pathetic.