Sherwood MP Michelle Welsh explains decision to vote in favour of Labour Government winter fuel allowance cut despite criticism from Newark MP Robert Jenrick
A Labour MP has defended her decision to support controversial plans to cut winter fuel payments despite strong criticism.
Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh voted along party lines helping the government to win a vote on proposals to means-test winter fuel allowances, with the Conservative party attempting to block the plans.
She was one of 348 MPs to vote in favour of cutting the allowance for all but the most vulnerable pensioners.
The decision has been faced with backlash and criticism from the public and political rivals, including Newark MP Robert Jenrick who described the plans as “shameful”.
When approached for comment by the Advertiser, Ms Welsh defended her decision, saying that she had given it careful consideration before supporting the cuts — but highlighted that support was still available for those who need it.
The Sherwood Forest MP said: “The Winter Fuel Allowance vote was a difficult decision, and not a decision I took lightly. Making and explaining hard choices is what this government was elected to do and governing in the wake of 14 years of Conservative chaos is tough, but I will not shy away from my responsibility as your elected Member of Parliament.
“Following the vote, I wrote to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, asking the Government to give further consideration to the policy, to ensure a safety net is in place to support all pensioners that will miss out on the winter fuel uplift.
“I will not, however, take lectures from a Conservative Party which destroyed our public services, placed millions of children in poverty and left behind a legacy of chaos.
“Under the last Tory government, over 800,000 eligible pensioners did not get the benefits to which they were entitled. While they failed on Pension Credit, we are determined to make a difference and ensure thousands of pensioners claim Pension Credit which will unlock winter fuel payments and other benefits.
“I will be holding pension credit support sessions, where myself and my team working with a local charity will help constituents one to one with applications and advice. There are thousands of pensioners in Sherwood Forest who are currently not claiming.
“I encourage constituents to check if they are eligible by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or by calling the Pension Credit claim line at 0800 99 1234.”
Ms Welsh was one of a raft of new MPs elected to parliament after Labour’s landslide General Election Victory in July.
