'I'm afraid people will die': former Labour MP on why he's against the winter fuel tax cut | LBC

With the government's plan to means test winter fuel payments being blasted as 'cruel' by unions ahead of a vote on the matter, Andrew Marr speaks to Independent MP Richard Burgon.

'I'm pleading with the government to change its position before tomorrow', Richard tells Andrew Marr, explaining why he is against the government's decision to cut winter fuel tax.

'Pensioners in my constituency are in despair... and 'I'm afraid that some will die if the government go forward with this decision', Richard Burgon tells Andrew Marr.

This comes as the head of the UK's largest trade union has said Labour has decided to "pick the pocket of pensioners" while leaving the richest "totally untouched", as pressure mounts for the Government to U-turn on means testing winter fuel payments.

A dozen Labour backbenchers have signed a motion put forward by one of the party's new MPs, Neil Duncan-Jordan, calling on the Government to delay implementing the policy.

The motion has also been signed by six of the seven Labour MPs who lost the whip in July after voting against the King's Speech over the Government's refusal to abolish the two-child benefit cap.

However, ministers continue to insist the cut is necessary to help fill a £22 billion "black hole" in this year's budget left by their Conservative predecessors.

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