Rachel Reeves blasted in scathing Jeremy Vine rant: 'They won't keep elderly warm'
Ann Widdecombe launched a scathing rant against Rachel Reeves as she criticised Labour's decision to cut winter fuel payments.
Around 10 million pensioners in England and Wales will lose their winter fuel payments, worth between £100 and £300 a year, under new plans announced by the chancellor.
The government announced the universal payment to pensioners would be restricted to just those who receive pension credit.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Reeves suggested that most elderly people can afford to lose the winter fuel payment because of increases to the state pension.
The Labour politician also claimed the triple lock meant retirees would be £900 better off this year, whilst energy bills have fallen from last year.
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Around 10 million pensioners in England and Wales will lose their winter fuel payments (Image: Jeremy Vine)Addressing the cuts on Jeremy Vine, Widdecombe admitted she does "not understand" how Labour can't find the money to "keep the elderly warm" during the winter.
The Strictly Come Dancing star declared: "I don't understand it, quite honestly. You all know that I've long argued that the winter fuel allowance shouldn't be universal. But I was thinking of higher rate taxpayers. I wasn't thinking of people just above pension credit.
"I don't understand it and that is a genuine comment. They found money for the unions, they found money for this and that. They cannot find money to keep the elderly warm at winter. I do not understand it."
Vine pointed out that the government found money for the unions by taking it away from pensioners. Broadcaster Marvyn Harrison weighed in: "It's one of these weird ones where they may have got this wrong."
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Reeves was also called out by Susanna Reid, who issued a warning to the chancellor on Good Morning Britain.
The presenter said: "Many wealthy older people would say we don't need to claim this particular benefit, but the cut off point is so low. Surely Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, is going to have to think again."
When Andrew Pierce claimed Reeves is showing "no sign whatsoever" of changing her mind, Susanna pointed out: "She seems to have doubled down."
MPs and charities have criticised the move in recent days, with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats pushing for a Commons vote. However, the government will not reverse its decision to scrap winter fuel payments.
Rachel Reeves blasted in scathing Jeremy Vine rant: 'They won't keep elderly warm'
Rachel Reeves blasted in scathing Jeremy Vine rant: 'They won't keep elderly warm'
Rachel Reeves blasted in scathing Jeremy Vine rant: 'They won't keep elderly warm'
Rachel Reeves blasted in scathing Jeremy Vine rant: 'They won't keep elderly warm'
Rachel Reeves blasted in scathing Jeremy Vine rant: 'They won't keep elderly warm'
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