Labour MP Jiven Sundar insisted he was happy with the Government’s decision to cut winter fuel allowances for thousands of pensioners.
Chancellor Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves have been on the defensive in recent weeks, insisting they have no intention of imposing new forms of austerity.
From this autumn, older people in England and Wales who are not receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits will lose benefits worth between £100 and £300.
Speaking to GB News, Sander said the measures were necessary, with Labour citing a £22bn financial “black hole” that needs to be filled.
Jiven Sunder says he’s “happy” with winter fuel savings
PA/GB News
“I asked pensioners if they were struggling to make payments and they said no,” he said.
“I said, on the other hand, there is pension relief if you are in difficulty and there is a household support fund for households who are just above the pension relief limit,” he said.
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Sandor joins Camilla Tominey on GB News
GB News
“If any of my constituents in my constituency are watching this video and are struggling as a pensioner, please get in touch and we’ll help you apply.”
Camilla interrupted, asking: “As a left-winger, isn’t it embarrassing for you to have a Labour party in power that punishes what you consider to be the most vulnerable people in society?”
“There are 10 million pensioners affected by this. I think it was seen as potentially affecting wealthier baby boomers who are thought to not need the winter fuel allowance because they already have fuel on their hands.”
“A lot of people here will be adversely affected – they are poor and they need the £300. Surely you would find that unpleasant?”
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“I know how difficult it is, I used to work in the Treasury Department and I was shocked by the stories I heard there.
“For the poorest pensioners, those on pension credit, there is a means-tested fuel allowance and the state pension will increase by £900 last April and £400 next April. There is plenty of support.”
Camilla said she “couldn’t believe” the Labour MP’s comments and said politicians from Starmer’s party had “rise up in unison” to condemn the Conservative cuts, but then “copied” those decisions when they came into power.
“I can’t believe you’re sitting here saying you’re happy for pensioners to lose £300 of support,” she added.
While Sander said he was “not happy” about the support cuts, he argued Labour inherited a difficult situation from the previous government.
