Pembrokeshire’s eyes will be firmly on its new MP this Tuesday as the UK Labour Government’s cuts to Winter Fuel Payments come to a vote in the House of Commons.
Eighteen thousand pensioners in Pembrokeshire are expected to be affected by the cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, which will impact over 10 million pensioners across the UK.
The vote on Tuesday in the Commons has been triggered by a Conservative Early Day Motion, allowing MPs from all parties to cast a vote either in favour of or against these cuts.
Samuel Kurtz, Welsh Conservative Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, warned that if these cuts proceed, pensioners will be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.
“These cuts to Winter Fuel Payments weren’t in the Labour Party’s manifesto, but they were one of the very first policies announced by Sir Keir Starmer,” he said.
“Simply put, it will force some pensioners to choose between eating or heating their homes, while the Labour Government gives inflation-busting pay rises to their union backers.
“That’s why all eyes will be on Pembrokeshire’s Labour MP this Tuesday. Will he follow orders from Sir Keir Starmer and vote to take money from pensioners who’ve paid into the system their whole working lives?
“Or will he side with pensioners and vote with the Conservatives against these cuts? Pembrokeshire’s pensioners deserve answers,” added Mr Kurtz.