- The future of Winter Fuel Payments for 19,941 pensioners in the Daventry Constituency will be decided by a vote after the Conservatives forced the Government into a U-turn.
- Under Labour's original plan to axe the payments for more than 10 million older people across the country, MPs would not be able to debate the proposal in Parliament.
But now, following strong pressure from Conservative MPs led by Stuart as Shadow Chief Whip, and an outcry from people across the country, the decision to end the payments will be discussed and vote on by every MP in the country.
And it means the Government will be forced to defend their cruel plan before a vote and will reveal which MPs are prepared to punish thousands of pensioners in their constituencies.
Pensioners in the Daventry Constituency will lose between £200 and £300 annually to help with their heating bills during the winter if Labour MPs back the plan.
Stuart said:
“The Government's decision to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment threatens the wellbeing of nearly 20,000 pensioners in the Daventry Constituency alone and breaks a clear election promise. As Shadow Chief Whip I have been working hard with my Shadow Cabinet colleagues to push a motion on this and force the Government to allow MPs to vote. I am pleased that these efforts have been successful, and I will certainly be standing up for pensioners in my constituency by voting in favour of the Conservative motion against this.
While Labour is giving their union paymasters a pay rise, they are still trying to argue that it is necessary to cut vital payments to pensioners, which tells us everything we need to know about the Government's priorities as we head towards Autumn and Winter. I am also encouraged by the support we are receiving from other opposition parties, and the Chancellor must listen to us all and reverse these cuts.”
A vote will take place on Tuesday 10 September.
