Government Minister Matthew Pennycook found himself in a heated exchange with Sky News presenter Kay Burley after voting to cut up to £300 from the winter fuel payments of millions of pensioners.
The Labour-led government faced backlash after pushing the policy through the House of Commons, despite a rebellion from over 50 Labour MPs who failed to support the measure, with only one, Jon Trickett, voting against it.
Appearing on Sky News, Pennycook was challenged by Burley, who quoted Trickett’s statement: “I will sleep well tonight knowing I voted to protect my constituents.” She then put the minister on the spot, asking: “Do you sleep well knowing that’s what you’ve done?”
As Pennycook attempted to defend the decision, Burley pressed further, calling it “a very straightforward question.” Pennycook replied that the decision was made “with an extremely heavy heart,” but avoided directly answering the question.
When Burley asked again, Pennycook dismissed the query as “not a reasonable question,” sparking a tense exchange as Burley insisted: “Why not? You’re here representing the government this morning.”
The minister reiterated that the cuts were necessary to help close a £22 billion gap in unfunded spending, arguing that means-testing the winter fuel payment was the right approach. He defended the decision, stating that the most vulnerable pensioners would still receive support.
Despite mounting criticism from opposition parties and campaigners, Pennycook confirmed there would be no government U-turn on the policy. “We’re not going to water down that policy,” he said.
You can watch it below:
The decision has provoked widespread outrage, with critics accusing the government of leaving pensioners in the cold during a cost-of-living crisis.
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