Member

We all have a choice. This is a choice—to take money from the poorest pensioners in our country just as winter is approaching and energy bills are increasing, to save a paltry, in global terms, £1.4 billion this year. I cannot think of a sufficient justification for us to approve this measure today. I have not seen any case that stands up to scrutiny being made by the Government to justify it, such as the idea that not saving £1.4 billion this year would somehow crash the economy or undo the national finances. I urge the Government to think again. I am happy to work with them on the mitigation measures that could and should be put in place to carry out this policy, with which I agree overall, if it is done in the right way. I do not get the urgency.