Tory MPs line up to demand higher state pensions as triple lockdown pressure mounts
DWP leader Mel Stride says pensioners won't 'necessarily' be harmed - as Tory MPs line up to demand that he keeps the Conservatives' promise and increases them by 10.1% inflation
Rishi Sunak speaking to a patient during a visit to Croydon University Hospital (
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tory MPs lined up today to demand that Rishi Sunak not betray 12 million state pensioners with a cut in real terms.
They pressured the Prime Minister to keep the triple lockdown - which will raise pensions by 10.1% inflation in April - in next Thursday's autumn statement.
The Mirror understands that draft plans sent to the budget watchdog include a 10.1% hike.
But a government source stressed that the plan "can and will change".
And despite high hopes, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride refused to guarantee pensions would rise during a debate in the House of Commons.
Instead, he said pensioners would "not necessarily" be harmed and told MPs to wait until November 17.
Veteran Tory Sir John Hayes has warned he will 'stick' to the manifesto pledge to maintain the triple lockdown, which raises pensions at the height of inflation, earnings or 2, 5%.
Picture:
Lincolnshire Echo)He told the debate, "If the government offered to break that promise, they wouldn't have my support and they know it."
Tory MP Alexander Stafford has warned that pensioners are among the most 'at risk' from soaring inflation and 'cannot make these sacrifices for their food and heating'.
He said "it's important that we stay with them and take care of them", adding: "I support the triple lock. The triple lock is extremely important."
Former Home Secretary Kevin Foster said: 'It is essential that we seek to deliver on the promise we made to them.
"I accept why this cannot be immediately promised today - but it is certainly an issue on which I will look forward to hearing more clarity next week."
DWP leader Mel Stride says pensioners won't 'necessarily' be harmed - as Tory MPs line up to demand that he keeps the Conservatives' promise and increases them by 10.1% inflation
Rishi Sunak speaking to a patient during a visit to Croydon University Hospital (
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tory MPs lined up today to demand that Rishi Sunak not betray 12 million state pensioners with a cut in real terms.
They pressured the Prime Minister to keep the triple lockdown - which will raise pensions by 10.1% inflation in April - in next Thursday's autumn statement.
The Mirror understands that draft plans sent to the budget watchdog include a 10.1% hike.
But a government source stressed that the plan "can and will change".
And despite high hopes, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride refused to guarantee pensions would rise during a debate in the House of Commons.
Instead, he said pensioners would "not necessarily" be harmed and told MPs to wait until November 17.
Veteran Tory Sir John Hayes has warned he will 'stick' to the manifesto pledge to maintain the triple lockdown, which raises pensions at the height of inflation, earnings or 2, 5%.
Picture:
Lincolnshire Echo)He told the debate, "If the government offered to break that promise, they wouldn't have my support and they know it."
Tory MP Alexander Stafford has warned that pensioners are among the most 'at risk' from soaring inflation and 'cannot make these sacrifices for their food and heating'.
He said "it's important that we stay with them and take care of them", adding: "I support the triple lock. The triple lock is extremely important."
Former Home Secretary Kevin Foster said: 'It is essential that we seek to deliver on the promise we made to them.
"I accept why this cannot be immediately promised today - but it is certainly an issue on which I will look forward to hearing more clarity next week."
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