'It is like we are being cast aside!' Older people not valued by Labour, says campaign group

“We're the only group having a cut in living standards this winter’

- Sam Lister

CAMPAIGNERS have accused Sir Keir Starmer of "casting aside" older people as he prepares to tell the country today that "short-term pain means long-term gain".

The Prime Minister will attempt to reset his beleaguered Government by promising to "build a new Britain" during his big speech at Labour's conference in Liverpool.

He will defend taking unpopular decisions, such as cutting the winter fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners, by insisting everyone will benefit in the end.

And he will repeatedly emphasise his party's commitment to "working people" by promising to strive to "retain the privilege of serving their interests".

But Dennis Reed, director of the Silver Voices campaign group for senior citizens, said the Prime Minister was putting workers first, over pensioners.

He said: "Why are working people and families being prioritised? Of course they are extremely important but so are older people.

"It is like we are being cast aside. We are no longer worth prioritising as far as the Government is concerned.

"Who is speaking for us? We are the only group of people having a cut in living standards this winter.

"They keep making the same old lame arguments about why they are doing this." Sir Keir has faced a difficult first conference as Prime Minister after protests by the trades unions over his winter fuel payment cuts and continuing revelations about the donations he and his Cabinet have received.