GB News host Eamonn Holmes found himself embroiled in a heated row with a Labour MP this morning, with the GB News host saying the Government is “not there for the weak and the vulnerable”.
It comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood by his decision to make Winter Fuel Payments means-tested, despite receiving fierce backlash.
Speaking to GB News, Jake Richards MP for Rother Valley said: “When you’re in government, you sometimes have to make difficult decisions. You can’t always be popular.
“I support the decision the government is taking to try and deal with the public finances, get a grip of the economy so that we can get the economy growing and start to invest in public services, protect pensioners in the medium term and long term, and turn the country around.”
Jake Richards said that the policy will protect pensioners
GB News
Eamonn said: “I look at your government, you see a socialist government and think they’re there for the weak, they’re there for the vulnerable. Except you’re not. And you must be being told that.”
The MP hit back: “I don’t accept that for a number of reasons. This policy that we’re discussing specifically looks after the most vulnerable pensioners.
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“That’s what this policy does. So the poorest pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Allowance.
“The best way to protect pensioner income is by protecting the triple lock. And this government is committed to doing that.
“That means pensioners will be better off this year than last year, next year than this year the state pension went up by £900. This year it’s going to go up by £460 next year.
“That is this government’s priority to protect the triple lock, to protect pensioner income. And that’s what this government will do and I support them in that endeavour.”
Labour has not reversed on its decision despite the controversy
GB News
Labour’s decision to cut Winter Fuel Payments for most pensioners has sparked controversy across Britain.
The move, justified by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as necessary to address a £22 billion public finance ‘black hole’, will see the payments withdrawn from older people in England and Wales not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
The cuts, set to take effect this autumn, have drawn criticism from opposition parties and some Labour members alike.
Many pensioners across the UK are having the payments cut
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The cuts have also drawn fierce criticism from trade unions. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham condemned the policy as “cruel” and called on the Prime Minister to reverse it.
She said: “People voted for change. They need to see change” adding her concern about potential austerity measures.
Despite the controversy, alternative support measures remain available for pensioners. The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills for eligible households.
Additionally, Cold Weather Payments provide £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November and March.
