Labour’s spending cuts plans sparked a lively debate on GB News as Martin Daubney weighed in with former party adviser Paul Richards.
Mr Richards said Labour’s decision to take away winter fuel payments from thousands of pensioners was forced by the previous government’s dire financial situation.
But Mr Daubney told Mr Richards that Labour’s own data suggested such a move would put many lives at risk.
“This is all pure speculation. The budget hasn’t been set yet,” Richards said.
Martin Daubney clashes with Paul Richards on GB News
GB News
“The job Rachel[Reeves]has to do is try to repair some of the damage caused by the lack of investment and productivity over the last 14 years.”
Martin countered: “Don’t you think giving away £10bn to union members and throwing wads of money at training drivers will make the black hole even bigger?” This isn’t about priorities, is it? Or? At the moment, the government seems to be prioritizing train drivers rather than pensioners. ”
Latest development status
Rachel Reeves, PennsylvaniaMr Paul argued that the money Labor spent towards an agreement with train operators was a positive step as it would help avoid future strikes.
“I think pensioners are much happier that way,” Martin said wryly.
“Some of our pensioners are actually former train drivers, so let’s not try to pit one group against another,” Richards said.
“I have to say that the hole that Rachel is trying to fill is one that the government has been warning us for weeks that the situation is dire, and although this winter is going to be tough, it will get better.
The two faced off in a debate on GB News. You can see it above.
GB News
“No government can step in and wave a magic wand, but I think they are doing the right thing. There have been some good investment announcements and we will see more foreign investment in the UK.”
Mr Daubney asked: “Do you accept that the winter fuel allowance cut appears to be just a failure?”
“We have a triple lock, which means pension increases, and there is some insensitivity in the series of announcements. There were problems with the way the announcements were made from Downing Street.
“Hopefully we’ve figured it out. The situation we inherited is dire and people need to realize that.”
Mr Martin claimed Labor had its priorities wrong and said thousands of pensioners would go bankrupt while Starmer’s government pumped out billions of dollars for carbon capture projects. .
“Carbon capture will create jobs,” Richards argued.
“It will provide decent jobs in science and technology and give the next generation the ability to get jobs in some high-tech fields.”
Age UK analysis shows that four in five pensioners living below or on the poverty line will lose their winter fuel payment due to the planned benefit cuts.
A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting pensioners and through our commitment to the Triple Lock, millions of people will see their state pension increase by up to £1,700 this Parliament. ”
“More than one million pensioners will continue to receive their winter fuel payment, but our efforts to widen access to pension credit have already seen a 152 per cent increase in claims.Many others. You will also benefit from a £150 Warm Home Discount to help with your energy bills over the winter, and an extension to our Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills. ”
Age UK is encouraging older people living on low incomes or struggling to pay their bills by contacting our free advice line on 0800 678 1602 to ensure they are taking advantage of all available financial support. I’m calling you to confirm.
