Rachel has slammed as “shameful and heartless” Chris Bloore MP’s decision to vote to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for 10 million pensioners.
By backing the Labour Government in a vote earlier this month, the Labour MP voted to remove vital heating bill support from 16,971 pensioners in the constituency this winter.
This is despite warnings that pensioners would be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.
Winter Fuel Payments are worth between £200 to £300 - a lifeline for many residents at a time when the energy price cap is set to rise by 10% in October.
Chris and his Labour colleagues were forced to vote on the Government’s cruel cuts only after strong pressure from Conservatives who have vowed to continue the fight to help protect vulnerable older people during the winter and will lobby the Government to change their plans.
In response to how Chris Bloore voted, Rachel said:
“In a lengthy letter, Chris Bloore attempted to justify his shameful and heartless decision to vote to remove Winter Fuel Payments from 16,971 pensioners in Redditch and the Villages. But here’s the thing: there is simply no justification, and deep-down Chris knows that.
“Despite knowing older people will be struggling to pay to heat their homes this winter – their own report said so – Chris and his Labour colleagues still decided to take this money away from pensioners.
“In following the Labour whip, Chris has removed vital heating bill support for some pensioners on as little as £13,000 a year.
“It really hasn’t taken long for Labour MPs and this Government to reveal their true colours.
“If you’re as angry as I am at the way Chris has voted, sign the Conservative Party’s petition as we continue to fight Labour’s shameful decision.”
Residents can sign the petition by clicking here.
