With the budget approaching, George Foulkes warns the government against turning young against old by dismantling the triple lock.

In politics U-turns are not uncommon, but a misguided policy choice, even if quickly abandoned, will often linger in the public's memory.

When Keir Starmer's government decided to restrict the Winter Fuel Allowance, albeit on the advice of the Treasury, any remaining goodwill left over from the election quickly evaporated and his government was permanently hobbled by the perception it was intent on executing another austerity agenda,

They had not reckoned with the rebellion that took place within the PLP's ranks, but, more worryingly, they had also underestimated a lobby group that is among the most effective, disciplined and formidable campaigning forces in modern politics — the "age lobby".

Keir Starmer underestimated the "age lobby" says George Foulkes

While the Treasury eventually walked back the original harshness of the policy, retaining support for those in genuine hardship,........

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