Winter fuel cut protest to be held outside Parliament

A protest is to be held outside Parliament on Monday to highlight opposition to the Government’s controversial decision to scrap the winter fuel allowance for pensioners.

The Unite union is joining forces with the National Pensioners Convention and Scottish Pensioners Forum for what they describe as a mass lobby.

Unite members and activists from other community groups will join the event near Parliament Square and be addressed by the union’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, as well as other speakers.

Ms Graham said: “The Government’s winter fuel policy needs to be reversed. Picking the pockets of pensioners is not a tough choice – it is a mistake.

“There is no reason why we have to choose between paying workers and keeping pensioners warm. Unite’s retired members are furious and will be making their voice heard.”

The union’s motion at the Labour Party’s annual conference last month, demanding a reversal of the winter fuel cuts and the implementation of a wealth tax, was passed.

Following Monday’s rally, a delegation of Unite members will meet MPs.

Published: 07/10/2024 by Radio NewsHub