Speaking today the DUP MP said, “We welcome this change of heart by the government and it is something we have raised repeatedly in the House of Commons since the initial decision was announced.
It will be a relief for many poorer pensioners that they will now see their Winter Fuel Allowance restored and it is important the government ensures they will all received that money next winter.
The question which has to be asked is why was it necessary to deny hundreds of thousands of pensioners of support over the last winter. The excuse that it has been reversed because of economic improvements doesn’t bear scrutiny. There has been no change and later this week we will see that the government is still trying to deal with the fiscal situation when it cuts budgets for departments.
It is good to see that even with a huge majority, whilst this government may be able to force things through Parliament it still cannot ignore the overwhelming views and protests of the electorate.”