The lives of pensioners across York could be protected tomorrow, but only if a Government plan is defeated, local Conservatives have warned.
They have called upon the city's Labour MPs - Rachael Maskell and Luke Charters - to vote against Keir Starmer's cruel proposals to cut Winter Fuel Payments for older people this year.
Indeed, Ms Maskell has already said she believes pensioners could die this winter if the cut goes ahead.
Tomorrow, all MPs will get the chance to vote in Westminster to decide whether the plan to cut up £300 from pensioners will go ahead.
And Conservative Group Leader on City of York Council Cllr Chris Steward has called upon Ms Maskell to have the courage of her convictions to vote against the Labour Government and convince her fellow MPs, like Mr Charters, to do the same.
This heartless proposal is already causing stress and worry for our city's older people and if it goes ahead, could ultimately cost people's lives
As councillors, we have heard from many older people fearful of how they will make it through the winter without this vital Winter Fuel Payment.
We want Labour MPs to stand up to Keir Starmer's cruel plans and protect vulnerable pensioners here.
It is crucial Ms Maskell follows up on her warnings and votes against the plan. If not, I am sure older people in across York will neither forgive nor forget if she, and other Labour MPs like Mr Charters, vote to put their lives at risk.
Between 2010 and 2023, the Conservatives had lifted over 200,000 pensioners out of absolute poverty. The Conservative Government’s unprecedented cost of living support following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine also prevented 400,000 pensioners from falling into absolute poverty after housing costs in 2022-23.
