Crewe and Nantwich MP, Connor Naismith, voted to cut the winter fuel payment for all but the country's poorest pensioners, in what he described as a "really tough decision."

The Labour government won a vote on the plan to restrict the payments this year by 348 votes to 228, a majority of 120.

A Tory move to block the measure was defeated, despite 52 Labour MPs not taking part in the vote, including seven ministers.

The Labour government won a vote on the plan to restrict the payments this year by 348 votes to 228, a majority of 120 (Wiki Commons).

Explaining his voting decision, Mr Naismith, told Nub News: "This was a really tough decision. I wasn't elected to parliament to vote for cuts to Winter Fuel Allowance, and it's not a choice I wanted or expected to make.

"The previous government left difficult decisions in their inbox and wrecked our economy, leaving a £22 billion black hole in public spending.

"I won't lie to Crewe and Nantwich residents about the public purse. Nobody is happy about taking these tough decisions, but they are necessary to fix the foundations of our economy so that we can rebuild Britain. 

"In this context, we cannot continue to provide winter fuel payments to the wealthiest pensioners.

"But, I recognise this is difficult for those at the lower end of the threshold who are losing the payment, and I will work with government to support those pensioners who need additional support.

"I am committed to supporting the triple lock on pensions, which has increased pensions by £900 this year alone and will boost them by hundreds of pounds next year too.

"These increases alone far outstrip the loss of the winter fuel payment. 

Connor Naismith MP believes such cuts are necessary to fix the foundations of our economy to rebuild Britain (Ryan Parker).

"The previous government was dishonest with people, making promises they couldn't pay for. I won't do that.

"The difficult but necessary decisions taken now will deliver the economic stability we need to grow our economy and deliver improved living conditions for all."

Want to give your thoughts on the winter fuel payment cut? Contact [email protected].

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