For the Prime Minister to claim that older people will be better off, despite the decision to cut winter fuel payments for 10 million of us, defies belief. In fact, it insults our intelligence.
Sir Keir appears to be basing his claim solely on the impact of the triple lock, apparently safe for the remainder of this Parliament. He also always uses the top rate of the new state pension to illustrate his case, which hardly anyone gets.
The triple lock increase of 4.1% does not take effect until April 2025 in any case, which will be of absolutely no help in supporting struggling pensioners through the winter.
The triple lock is supposed to compensate for all household increases, not just energy, and we still see food and essentials prices soaring.
The very large majority of older people are still on the old state pension (for those retiring before April 2016), the maximum rate of which is £169.50 per week. This will rise next April by £7 per week to £176.45.
Well off politicians wouldn’t blink at spending that on a meal out, or a Taylor Swift concert.
The Prime Minister needs to read carefully the recent Independent Age research on the impact of the winter fuel cuts on older people’s health before he makes such glib claims.
49% of those losing the allowance say they will only heat one room this winter, and 43% say they will wear outdoor clothes indoors.
These statistics represent a huge increase on last winter, caused directly by this cruel policy decision.
I am delivering a mass petition to 10 Downing Street on Monday, with the Express, calling for the Budget to protect older people, signed by about 150,000 so far.
I will be happy to engage in discussion with Sir Keir on his doorstep, to put him right on the facts, if he is around.