TryGOLD- Free

PM accused of hiding number of pensioners expected to die due to winter fuel benefit cut

Daily Express|September 12, 2024
SIR Keir Starmer was accused of hiding information about how many pensioners are predicted to die following cuts to the winter fuel allowance at PMQs yesterday.
- Sam Lister
PM accused of hiding number of pensioners expected to die due to winter fuel benefit cut

The Prime Minister refused to say if the number would be higher or lower than the 4,000 deaths that Labour previously warned means-testing the payments would lead to.

Sir Keir insisted the triple-lock means pension increases "will outstrip any loss of payment". And he also refused to rule out axing free bus passes and the single-person council tax discount.

During a clash in the Commons Conservative leader Rishi Sunak said: "We know why he's hiding the impact assessment.

"Labour's own previous analysis claimed this policy could cause 3,850 deaths.

"So, are the numbers in his impact assessment higher or lower than that?"

Sir Keir insisted the decision had to be made to fill a £22billion blackhole in the public finances left by the Tories.

He added: "We're taking this decision to stabilise the economy.

"By committing to the triple lock we can make sure that payments of state pension are higher and therefore there's more money in the pockets of pensioners, not withstanding the tough action we need to take." Mr Sunak hit back: "Today pensioners watching will have seen the Prime Minister has repeatedly refused to admit or publish the consequences of his decision and we will continue holding him to account for that."

Labour later denied it had broken its promise to be transparent by refusing to publish the impact assessment.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DAILY EXPRESSView all
Daily Express

Twomey on a Carm offensive in the Vase

CARMERS hit a career high for Royal Ascot newcomer Paddy Twomey in the Group Two Queen's Vase.

time-read
1 min  |
June 19, 2025
Daily Express

TRU READY TO TAKE ON DARWIN

WE'RE heading into Thursday with three runners.

time-read
1 min  |
June 19, 2025
Daily Express

Cryptic caper is clued up

Fiona Price previews tonight's TV

time-read
2 mins  |
June 19, 2025
PHIL MAKES QUICK POINT
Daily Express

PHIL MAKES QUICK POINT

Fit-again Foden hits early goal in statement display

time-read
2 mins  |
June 19, 2025
Daily Express

TRENT'S SLOW START

IT was a rather uneventful start to life with Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

time-read
1 min  |
June 19, 2025
Daily Express

ASSISTED DYING LAW WOULD BE A WONDERFUL PRESENT FOR MUM

DAME Esther Rantzen's daughter has urged MPs to grant her mother's birthday wish – by supporting the assisted dying bill tomorrow.

time-read
4 mins  |
June 19, 2025
WEDNESDAY HIT WITH SPEND BAN
Daily Express

WEDNESDAY HIT WITH SPEND BAN

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY will not be allowed to spend money on signings until January 2027.

time-read
1 min  |
June 19, 2025
Sandra: I have a lotto care left
Daily Express

Sandra: I have a lotto care left

A CARER who won £10,000 a month for 30 years says looking after others is \"in my DNA\" and she has no intention of stopping.

time-read
1 min  |
June 19, 2025
Senior back to prove a point
Daily Express

Senior back to prove a point

AFTER fearing he might not recover fully from a serious injury, Castleford's Louis Senior is flying again - and out to prove former club Hull KR wrong.

time-read
1 min  |
June 19, 2025
Daily Express

A-list Brad's too old to dye young

BRAD Pitt has been seen sporting an extremely unwise tie-dyed shirt and trouser combo.

time-read
1 min  |
June 19, 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more