Graham has vowed to continue to stand up for pensioners following Labour MPs voting to strip pensioners not in receipt of pension credit of the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300 a year.
In the House of Commons, Graham made clear his disappointment that the Labour government has unfairly chosen to target pensioners on just £219 a week.
Graham questioned how, when Labour party analysis from 2017 showed 4,000 people could die if the Winter Fuel Payment were to be means tested, Labour MPs in good conscience could vote for such a measure.
He cited Peter, one of 892 people to sign Graham’s petition against means testing the Winter Fuel Payment. Peter and his wife are £12 over the threshold for claiming pension credit and face hard choices in the winter ahead.
Labour MPs were keen to play politics and blame the Conservative government from 2010-2024, which introduced the Pension Triple Lock and maintained the Winter Fuel Payment throughout its time in office.
Age UK estimates that 21,000 pensioners in Beverley and Holderness will lose out on the means tested Winter Fuel Payment.
This government has already shown itself unwilling to protect pensioners, refusing to guarantee that pensioners will keep their bus passes and refusing to guarantee the Single Person Discount on Council Tax.
Graham has asked several questions in the House of Commons on behalf of pensioners, launched a petition against the Winter Fuel Payment signed by 892 people and has launched a campaign, Protect Our Pensioners, which seeks to provide a forum for pensioners to have their voices heard.
He is organising a protest against the Winter Fuel Payment cut on Friday 13th September at 3.30pm on Toll Gavel in Beverley.
Graham Stuart said: “Pensioners deserve their Winter Fuel payments, it’s that simple. They deserve it because that’s the deal we have in this country: after a lifetime of paying into the system, we look after you.
“I think the 15,377 people in Beverley and Holderness who voted Labour are right to be disappointed in this government deciding to play politics with pensioners.
“Pensioners aren’t a political football: they’re people.
“That’s why I’m standing up for them – now, and for ever.”
