Today in Parliament, 348 Labour MPs voted to remove winter fuel payments from more than 10 million pensioners.
The Government attempted to force the welfare cut through without a vote in Parliament, but 80 Conservative MPs, including Louie French MP, signed a motion securing a vote on Labour's "heartless" proposal. Louie was a teller for the vote for the 'Ayes', who voted to keep the payments.
Labour MPs' vote means over 16,000 pensioners in Old Bexley and Sidcup will now lose up to £300 of winter fuel payments.
Only pensioners receiving certain benefits, mainly pension credit, will now be eligible for support. This is despite the system missing approximately one million eligible pensioners who earn less than £218 and one million more surviving on a low income who are narrowly ineligible for support.
Louie French MP said: "Labour MPs' vote to axe universal winter fuel payments is politics at its worst. They've chosen their party over their constituents' interests, leaving millions of pensioners colder and poorer this winter.
"This isn't about saving money, but taking cash from vulnerable pensioners to help fund Labour's inflation-busting pay deals for train drivers.
"I'm sorry Labour has taken away this support. If you are worried about losing winter fuel payment and think you might be entitled to pension credit, I encourage you to apply.
"My team and I are here to help, so please get in touch with me. Voluntary organisations like Citizens Advice and Age UK can also help you apply for pension credit."
