‘Our pensioners deserve better’-Romford MP’s scathing criticism of Labour government.

“It cannot be right that those who have worked all their lives, and in many cases, served their country, are now fighting just to stay warm in their own homes.”

The Member of Parliament for Romford, Andrew Rosindell has issued a scathing criticism of the Labour Government’s decision to remove the long-standing Winter Fuel Payment, a move that will impact over 10 million pensioners across the U.K. Speaking out following his front-page article in a national paper, the Romford MP warned of the devastating effects this policy change will have on the nation’s elderly population, particularly those already living in poverty.

 The Winter Fuel Payment, a vital support system for pensioners to keep their homes warm during the coldest months, has been in place for 26 years. Mr Rosindell has expressed outrage over the Labour Government’s abrupt removal of the benefit, accusing the leadership of heartlessly abandoning pensioners without warning or providing any sufficient alternatives. This decision, he argues, has left many of the most vulnerable people in the country facing a “terrifying prospect of choosing between a warm home, essential social care costs, or food on their plate.”

 As the Member of Parliament for Romford, a constituency with the highest population of over-65s in Greater London, Mr Rosindell has seen firsthand the anxiety and distress this decision is causing.

“I have received hundreds of letters from elderly people who are now stricken with worry over how this will affect their health, warmth, and their quality of life,” said Mr Rosindell. “It cannot be right that those who have worked all their lives, and in many cases, served their country, are now fighting just to stay warm in their own homes.”

 He also criticised Labour’s 2024 manifesto for making no mention of the Winter Fuel Payment, describing it as a deliberate betrayal of pensioners.

“Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves had clearly planned to betray our pensioners long before the 4th of July,” Rosindell stated. “This harrowing decision will cause hardship for so many of our senior citizens who never expected to be hit so hard in the pocket by such ‘caring, sharing’ socialists!”

 Mr Rosindell went on to accuse the Labour Government of prioritising inflation-busting pay rises for the public sector at the expense of the elderly, suggesting this decision was made to appease union leaders while leaving pensioners out in the cold—both literally and figuratively.

 “This is a vindictive move by the Labour Party, who claim to be addressing an economic ‘black hole’ that has conveniently appeared since they took office. Yet, at the same time, they are handing out pay rises to the public sector while leaving pensioners in the cold. It’s a disgrace,” said Mr Rosindell. 

 In closing, Andrew vowed to continue fighting for pensioners’ rights.

“Our pensioners deserve better, and I will continue to stand up for them. This cruel decision must be reversed, and those who have contributed so much to society must be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

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