Local MPs condemn Badenoch’s plans to cut state pension

Local MPs condemn Badenoch’s plans to cut state pension 

Local MPs, Anna Sabine and Wera Hobhouse have criticised plans announced yesterday by Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch suggesting she would look at means testing the triple lock of pensions which currently ensures it increases each year in line with average wage increases and inflation.

Calling the proposal “callous” and “frightening” for pensioners of Somerset and Banes, the Lib Dem Members of Parliament for Frome and East Somerset, and Bath have stridently objected to Badenoch’s intention to potentially halt the automatic increase on the state pension.  

“The comments made by Kemi Badenoch this week show a callous disregard for pensioners across the country who are already facing a huge hike in winter fuel costs and rising inflation.” Said MP for Frome and East Somerset, Anna Sabine. 

“The triple lock was brought in by Lib Dems to help protect the pension that so many in Frome and East Somerset rely on and this announcement is a frightening indication of her intentions and I urge Conservative MPs to distance themselves from this sort of rhetoric”. 

Badenoch’s remarks follow on comments from the Shadow Chancellor, Mel Stride, made in December in which he said that maintaining the triple lock was “unsustainable”, showing a pattern amongst the Opposition party that looks to ignore pensioners and their needs.  

Wera Hobhouse MP for Bath said “Pensioners in our community have already put up with years of economic vandalism under the Conservatives, before being hit by Labour’s recent decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment. The last thing they need now is uncertainty over the triple lock.” 

I’m extremely proud of my party’s legacy to introduce this vital support for pensioners and rest assured, I will fight tooth and nail against the Conservatives’ attempts to weaken it.” 

The Liberal Democrats introduced the triple lock to allow for it to automatically increase in line with the economy and will fight to ensure it and pensioners are protected from successive governments that seem prepared to neglect retirees across the country.  

ENDS