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

Bottas itching to get his career in fast lane again with new team Cadillac

VALTTERI BOTTAS believes he has “got a good few years in me” as he eyes a return to the grid.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 06, 2025
Charlie in dark over Oaks jolly
Daily Express

Charlie in dark over Oaks jolly

TRAINER Charlie Appleby admits the mile-and-a-half Betfred Oaks distance is a query for William Hill's 13-8 favourite Desert Flower.

time-read
1 min  |
June 06, 2025
EVEN REFS ARE MAD AT VAR
Daily Express

EVEN REFS ARE MAD AT VAR

You will never see another Aguero moment. Money men think mistakes are too costly. If you're sent to the screen it damages trust

time-read
2 mins  |
June 06, 2025
First year without Michael...
Daily Express

First year without Michael...

THE family of TV scientist Michael Mosley have paid an emotional tribute to him on the anniversary of his death.

time-read
1 min  |
June 06, 2025
Daily Express

Baby and mother killed in Putin's revenge

RUSSIA launched more than 100 drone strikes across Ukraine yesterday, killing at least five people including a baby and injuring scores more.

time-read
1 min  |
June 06, 2025
'It's clearer... we'll need to leave ECHR'
Daily Express

'It's clearer... we'll need to leave ECHR'

TORY LEADER'S 'NEW APPROACH' ON IMMIGRATION

time-read
3 mins  |
June 06, 2025
Winning was easy part for Reform... now work begins
Daily Express

Winning was easy part for Reform... now work begins

THERE is no feeling quite like being elected for the first time. Even as a local councillor, one of the foot soldiers of our democracy, there's huge pride in knowing voters have dragged themselves out and used their precious time to put a cross next to your name.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 06, 2025
Maddie police end 3-day search
Daily Express

Maddie police end 3-day search

POLICE investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have ended their searches after three days scouring scrubland and abandoned buildings.

time-read
1 min  |
June 06, 2025
Looks like polo's left Danny in Dyer straits
Daily Express

Looks like polo's left Danny in Dyer straits

SOMEONE chukka ice pack to Danny Dyer - he looks to be in pain after filming polo scenes for the return of Rivals.

time-read
1 min  |
June 06, 2025
Nearly-woman Neita is pushing pedal to medal
Daily Express

Nearly-woman Neita is pushing pedal to medal

BRIT CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL GLORY WILL COME SOON

time-read
2 mins  |
June 06, 2025

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