SINCE the Labour Government first announced that it planned to take away the winter fuel payment I received a great number of emails from local residents worried about what this might mean for them.

As many as 25,000 people in the constituency were likely to have been affected by what was a cruel and vindictive policy. It is therefore welcome that following weeks of speculation Labour has now made an about turn on its policy.

It’s now been confirmed that nine million pensioners will receive their winter fuel payment this year. Whilst this is not quite the full U-turn I have been demanding from the Government, it is a considerable step in the right direction and I am sure many of you will be sighing in relief.

I am proud to have played a part in this victory for pensioners. My efforts included raising the case of local man Jim O’Dwyer at Prime Minister’s Questions and delivering a 100,000-signature petition to 10 Downing Street.

I think it is fair to say that without this pressure that this simply wouldn’t have happened.

It was always baffling that the Government had planned to take away the winter fuel payment from those who have paid into the system their entire lives, while at the same time still be able to find £15billion to house illegal immigrants and billions more for their Chagos surrender.

What would also be very welcome is an apology from the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the unnecessary worry that they have caused. I won’t hold my breath on that, but I will keep standing up for my constituents.