Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for the Prime Minister to reverse a previous Conservative Party tax cut for banks, rather than removing winter fuel payments for some pensioners.
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, he said: “Last night, Liberal Democrats voted against the withdrawal of winter fuel payments. We believe it's just wrong to balance the books by removing the support from pensioners. We do understand that there are some difficult choices to be made, to clear up the appalling financial mess left by the last Conservative government.
“One of the many reasons for that mess was the Conservatives prioritizing tax cuts for the big banks, costing £4 billion a year.
“Will the Prime Minister instead reverse those cuts? So we can afford to support millions of struggling pensioners through this very hard winter.”
In response, Sir Keir Starmer said: “I'll resist the temptation to get ahead of the Budget. What is important is that we recognize that there is this £22 billion blackhole which has been left by the previous government. I know their practice. was to ignore it, to kick it into the long grass.
“We are taking the tough decisions, because I am absolutely convinced that's the only way we can start rebuilding our country, investing in our public services, and making sure everybody is better off.”