Vorderman urges PM to apologise for winter fuel payments cut
Vorderman criticises Labour's decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners
Carol Vorderman, a well-known presenter and author, has urged the prime minister to apologise for reducing winter fuel payments for pensioners. Despite parliament approving the contentious policy today, several Labour MPs abstained from the vote. Ministers defended the decision, stating “tough decisions” were necessary to address public finances. However, opposition MPs and campaigners criticised the move, warning it would leave many pensioners struggling financially.
During an appearance on Sky News’ Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge, Vorderman expressed her surprise at Labour’s support for the cut, calling it “astonishing.” When asked what Sir Keir Starmer should do next, she insisted he should apologise.
Vorderman, known for her tenure on Channel 4’s Countdown, has become increasingly vocal about her political views. Before July’s general election, she endorsed a tactical voting website aimed at “stopping the Tories.” She noted the site had significant engagement and influenced voters, with nearly two million postcodes entered.
An apology won’t cut it.
So many other ways to raise cash
Windfall tax energy companies & supermarkets
Reversing the NI cut
People will die because of this
The #NHS will have even more patients
Vorderman calls for apology from Starmer over winter fuel cut.https://t.co/3mCdvsgAIr
— Dr Jill Belch (@JillBelch) September 10, 2024
She remarked that many people supported Labour, hoping for a reduction in inequality after 14 years of growth. She criticised the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance, which is worth up to £300, affecting millions of pensioners. Vorderman acknowledged the rationale of removing the payment from wealthy pensioners but argued the reduction was too drastic, going from 12 million to fewer than two million recipients. She highlighted alternative ways to raise the necessary funds.
When questioned by Sophy if she felt the public had been “duped” by the government, Vorderman agreed, expressing her shock that the first action of the new Labour government was to cut the winter fuel allowance. She believed this was not what voters had expected.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones responded, explaining that Labour had a mandate to manage public finances. He revealed that the Conservatives had concealed a £22bn deficit for the year, impacting essential services like healthcare, education, and policing. Jones emphasised the need to reset the budget and prepare for the Labour Budget on 30 October to begin rebuilding Britain.
The complete interview will be broadcast on Sky News’ Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge tonight at 7pm.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports that up to 50 Labour MPs might rebel against the government’s plan to cut the winter fuel allowance, despite Keir Starmer urging his colleagues to support the decision.(read more)
- Yahoo News reports on Sir Keir Starmer’s firm stance on reducing winter fuel payments, acknowledging the difficulty but emphasizing economic stability.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Carol Vorderman asking the prime minister to apologise?
She believes cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners is wrong.
What was the reaction to the winter fuel payment cuts?
It was widely criticised by opposition MPs and campaigners.
How many pensioners will be affected by the winter fuel payment cuts?
The number will drop from 12 million to less than two million.
What justification did ministers give for the winter fuel payment cuts?
“Tough decisions” were needed to fix public finances.
What did Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones say about the cuts?
He said they needed to reset the budget to address hidden financial issues.
