Keir Starmer 'will take away pensioners' free prescriptions and bus passes next'

Dr. Ros Altmann says urgent steps must be taken to protect the 2-3 million senior citizens who will suffer the most from the loss of the winter fuel payment

The pensioners' rally against Labour's winter fuel cuts, set to take place in London tomorrow, is likely to be the first of many such events if the Government does not address the widespread criticism of their harsh policy to eliminate the winter fuel payment for 10 million pensioners. Elderly individuals from across the nation will attend, but it's worth noting that those most in need of the payment may not be present due to health issues preventing long journeys on public transport or unaffordable travel costs.

As highlighted by the Express, pensioners over 80 will be disproportionately affected, losing £300 when they are most vulnerable to the cold. This protest isn't about preserving a perk, as some Government supporters might suggest.

It's about attempting to prevent an increase in unnecessary deaths this winter. The Government has withheld its impact assessment of abolishing this benefit, contrary to standard protocols, due to the potential public outrage.

How many additional deaths does the DWP predict will result from this harsh policy?

What about the cost of the extra pressures placed on the NHS dealing with the serious consequences of cold, damp homes?, reports the Express.

We have a right to know. Some charities seem to suggest that extending the winter fuel payment to a few more benefit recipients would be a step forward.

We respectfully disagree with the notion that only those below the benefit eligibility limit are affected. In fact, it's the millions of older people just above this limit, due to modest savings or a small private pension, who always lose out.

Urgent measures need to be taken to safeguard the 2-3 million senior citizens who will bear the brunt of the loss of the winter fuel payment. How can any Government knowingly push so many people into fuel poverty and winter hardship?

I will also speak at the rally about the risks of letting this issue slide.

If the Government successfully weathers this storm, they will inevitably put more pressure on senior citizens, perhaps by means-testing free prescriptions, bus passes and even the state pension itself. It's time for older people to stand up for our dignity in our remaining years on this planet.