Comment: Portsmouth's pensioners are let down by Labour

People are rightly furious that one of the first acts of newly elected Labour MPs has been to cut winter fuel payments to millions of pensioners. 

The vote, which saw the government triumph with 348 votes to 228, will see winter fuel payments slashed from 11.4 million pensioners to just 1.5 million this year. 

The payments, which are typically £200 or £300, are made to pensioners in November and December to help with heating costs. 

In a dramatic display of disapproval, shouts of “shame” echoed through the House of Commons as the result was announced. 

While Labour Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan supported the government's cuts, the Liberal Democrats were united in their opposition. 

All 72 Liberal Democrat MPs voted against the proposed cuts, arguing that the move was both heartless and unnecessary. Even pensioners with incomes just over £12,000 will lose all of the payment.

“There is real concern that some pensioners will have to choose between eating and heating,” says Charlie Murphy, who is leading the campaign against the cuts in the city. “Many people feel let down by Labour on this."

Portsmouth Lib Dems come to the rescue

But, as the winter chill sets in, Portsmouth’s Council Leader Steve Pitt has pledged that the Lib Dem-led city council will provide a package of support to protect pensioners who miss out on any government support. 

“We want to do all that we can to step in and help protect the most vulnerable pensioners who won’t be getting government support,” he said.

Have you or your family been let down by Labour this winter? Why not share this article and raise awareness.

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