YORK Conservatives are urging the city’s Labour MPs to vote against a Labour government move to cut the annual Winter Fiel Allowance for older people.

The call comes as Parliament is to vote tomorrow on plans from the newly-elected Labour government to axe the £300 payment to around 10 million pensioners, except for poorer ones receiving additional benefits.

The Labour government says its planned move would save £1.4 billion and help plug a financial ‘black hole’ of £22billion it says it inherited from the previous Conservative government.

York’s Conservatives have branded Labour’s policy as ‘cruel’ and ‘heartless’ and are calling for the city’s Labour MPs Rachael Maskell for York Central and Luke Charters for York Outer to vote against it.

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Their comments follow Thirsk and Malton Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake, the Shadow Business Secretary, also speaking out against Labour’s plans on the issue.

National media has reported up to 50 Labour MPs could rebel against their leader Keir Starmer.

Indeed, Ms Maskell has already said she believes pensioners could die this winter if the cut goes ahead. 

She told BBC Newsnight last week: “I couldn’t vote for this, but I think what we are saying, this is bigger than a vote because this is about protecting people’s lives and ultimately that is our responsibility as MPs, to speak to truth to power.”

The York Central MP also told the Press she wants more of her fellow party members to challenge the government on this:

She said: “I believe MPs need to speak up, and I want more of my colleagues to do the same."

Tomorrow, (Tuesday) all MPs will get the chance to vote in Westminster to decide whether the plan to cut up £300 from pensioners will go ahead. 

The  Conservative Group Leader on City of York Council Cllr Chris Steward has called upon Ms Maskell to have the courage of her convictions to vote against the Labour Government and convince her fellow MPs, like Mr Charters, to do the same. 

 Cllr Steward said: “"This heartless proposal is already causing stress and worry for our city's older people and if it goes ahead, could ultimately cost people's lives.”

"As councillors, we have heard from many older people fearful of how they will make it through the winter without this vital Winter Fuel Payment.

"We want Labour MPs to stand up to Keir Starmer's cruel plans and protect vulnerable pensioners here. 

 "It is crucial Ms Maskell follows up on her warnings and votes against the plan. If not, I am sure older people in across York will neither forgive nor forget if she, and other Labour MPs like Mr Charters, vote to put their lives at risk."

 Comment has been sought from Luke Charters MP.