OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Hans Bromwich, Cowes. Ed
West Wight MP, Richard Quigley, has come out and explained his thinking regarding the Winter Fuel Allowance.
However, the increase in the State Pension he mentions does not kick in until April 2025. That’s not going to help those who are facing sky high energy bills in 2024. Jam tomorrow promises sadly are all too typical in politics. Yes, Labour inherited a god awful mess, but that’s no reason to take it out on some of the most vulnerable in society.
What’s really going on?
So let’s be truthful, what’s really going on? Tuesdays controversial vote is largely about flushing out who in the Labour ranks is loyal to the leadership, and who is not.
It’s also a precursor to next months budget, where the middle classes will be hit hard. When they complain, the Government will simply say, well the pensioners took it on the chin, so you need to also.
A pretty weak argument
Saying you were elected on other issues, which could be compromised if you don’t support the government, might have an element of truth, but it’s a pretty weak argument.
One could ask how many constituents need to die before you are prepared to stand up and say, this simply isn’t right, one, ten, a hundred, a thousand? And are you going to make the same argument for supporting the Government on every other issue that’s harmful to constituents?
A charitable fund to support Islanders most in need
I have suggested to Mr Quigley how he might turn things around, by setting up a charitable fund to support Islanders most in need.
A pragmatic suggestion that I have yet to hear back on.
Anyway, hopefully he’s managed to move into his Westminster office, if not, perhaps we can send up a few pensioners, who I’m sure will be delighted to keep warm shifting a few boxes.
