Stormont party leaders pledge opposition to winter fuel payment cuts

The leaders of all Northern Ireland parties – Democratic Unionist Party, the Alliance party, the Ulster Unionist party, the Social Democratic and Labour Party, the Traditional Unionist Voice, and People Before Profit – have signed a pledge opposing the cutting of the winter fuel payment.

The party leaders signed the pledge which said: “This is something which we cannot in good conscience support.”

By signing, the party leaders called on the UK Government to reverse its plans to means test the winter fuel payment and to reinstate it as a universal benefit in the upcoming Budget.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “This is a very significant milestone in our campaign to defend the winter fuel payment.

“Unite is now seeking the same cross-party support in both Wales and Scotland.

“The UK Government needs to recognise that they are standing alone in justifying this disgraceful attack on pensioners.” 

Susan Fitzgerald, regional secretary at Unite in Northern Ireland, said: “This policy has absolutely no support in Northern Ireland. 

“All political parties here have now publicly stated their opposition to this despicable attack on low-income pensioners