Coco Khan

I think there is a tiny grain of truth to it. Let me explain. I think Lucy Powell is talking in the wider context of the fact that the government have revealed this 22 billion deficit. So if the government was to say there's this huge hole in our budget, it's terrible, it's awful, it's way worse than we thought, and then not announce difficult decisions, you know, like...

I think there is a tiny grain of truth to it. Let me explain. I think Lucy Powell is talking in the wider context of the fact that the government have revealed this 22 billion deficit. So if the government was to say there's this huge hole in our budget, it's terrible, it's awful, it's way worse than we thought, and then not announce difficult decisions, you know, like...

spending cuts or tax rises, then you could see that there could be a panicked economic reaction. You know, if you're not filling that budget, we know that the markets tend to panic. So I don't think you can pin it on the winter fuel allowance, but you can see the logic that says, now that all of that's been revealed, we have to act because the markets will be spooked.

spending cuts or tax rises, then you could see that there could be a panicked economic reaction. You know, if you're not filling that budget, we know that the markets tend to panic. So I don't think you can pin it on the winter fuel allowance, but you can see the logic that says, now that all of that's been revealed, we have to act because the markets will be spooked.

But then, of course, mainly there is a political benefit. To evoking trust, because it's a reminder of this narrative they keep telling, which is the Tories have absolutely trashed the economy. It's very similar to what we heard in 2010, you know, when the Conservative government came in and they were saying that Labour had destroyed the economy. It works, actually.

But then, of course, mainly there is a political benefit. To evoking trust, because it's a reminder of this narrative they keep telling, which is the Tories have absolutely trashed the economy. It's very similar to what we heard in 2010, you know, when the Conservative government came in and they were saying that Labour had destroyed the economy. It works, actually.

It kept Labour out of power for quite a few years. People believe it. The main problem is I think people do feel like, why do we have to keep paying for the mistakes of incompetent politicians? And that's, again, going back to the original point, that's why Labour have to offer something more, something more hopeful as well. But also, I mean, pensioners, for real.

It kept Labour out of power for quite a few years. People believe it. The main problem is I think people do feel like, why do we have to keep paying for the mistakes of incompetent politicians? And that's, again, going back to the original point, that's why Labour have to offer something more, something more hopeful as well. But also, I mean, pensioners, for real.

Absolutely. And I think it's worth saying that I believe the Tories almost certainly would have done this if they'd gotten back into power. But they love pensioners. Pensioners vote and pensioners vote Tory. Really? So Kemi Badenoch in her 2022 leadership bid said that she actually thought it was a good idea to means test the winter fuel allowance.

Absolutely. And I think it's worth saying that I believe the Tories almost certainly would have done this if they'd gotten back into power. But they love pensioners. Pensioners vote and pensioners vote Tory. Really? So Kemi Badenoch in her 2022 leadership bid said that she actually thought it was a good idea to means test the winter fuel allowance.

And I've spoken to a couple of Conservatives who've actually said it's quite a smart move. We needed to do it. So I think a lot of this outrage is manufactured from the Tories, I mean, and it's opportunistic because actually I think they were already considering the idea of means testing the winter fuel allowance. As you say, it feels like a Tory policy. I think it probably would have been.

And I've spoken to a couple of Conservatives who've actually said it's quite a smart move. We needed to do it. So I think a lot of this outrage is manufactured from the Tories, I mean, and it's opportunistic because actually I think they were already considering the idea of means testing the winter fuel allowance. As you say, it feels like a Tory policy. I think it probably would have been.

But you're completely right. So while... pensioners have gotten much wealthier, there is also a proportion of pensions who have gotten much poorer. That inequality has increased. The first issue is that there'll be a proportion of pensioners who are not eligible to receive the winter fuel allowance, but they'll really struggle without it.

But you're completely right. So while... pensioners have gotten much wealthier, there is also a proportion of pensions who have gotten much poorer. That inequality has increased. The first issue is that there'll be a proportion of pensioners who are not eligible to receive the winter fuel allowance, but they'll really struggle without it.

And then the other issue is that only two thirds of eligible people who are enrolled for pension credit actually claim it. So there's a whole other group who should be getting pension credit, but they don't for whatever reason. So you're completely right. There is a group of pensioners who are going to be at risk

And then the other issue is that only two thirds of eligible people who are enrolled for pension credit actually claim it. So there's a whole other group who should be getting pension credit, but they don't for whatever reason. So you're completely right. There is a group of pensioners who are going to be at risk

And you're right, people don't vote for a Labour government anymore. with the thought that they're going to start taking people's benefits away. You know, it's one of those things that you tend to think, especially vulnerable groups, as you say, pensioners would be safe. Labour is keeping the triple lock as far as I'm aware.

And you're right, people don't vote for a Labour government anymore. with the thought that they're going to start taking people's benefits away. You know, it's one of those things that you tend to think, especially vulnerable groups, as you say, pensioners would be safe. Labour is keeping the triple lock as far as I'm aware.

So there is a suggestion that pensions may go up £400 next year, which I think Labour will probably be hoping to sell as it offsetting this slightly. Now, as you say, prices go up, other benefit, you know, we might see other spending cuts, we actually in practice, it's still going to be a struggle for lots of people, especially if energy prices keep going up, which seems to be the way it's going.

So there is a suggestion that pensions may go up £400 next year, which I think Labour will probably be hoping to sell as it offsetting this slightly. Now, as you say, prices go up, other benefit, you know, we might see other spending cuts, we actually in practice, it's still going to be a struggle for lots of people, especially if energy prices keep going up, which seems to be the way it's going.