Nicola Grant on the speculation about reinstating the winter fuel payments

Ms Grant said whilst reinstating the winter fuel allowance is welcome and should never have been removed, there is confusion and concern over who will be eligible. It would seem that MPs are unclear as they have been given no details of any proposed scheme. The speculation around links to income tax is also causing a great deal of controversy amongst pensioners. who would not normally pay taxes.

Ms Grant continued the announcement to increase the number of children getting free school meals is welcome, but the Workers Party believes that all children should receive free school meals as there is a direct link between hunger and learning. The Party has been vocal in calling for an end to the two child benefit cap to help tackle child poverty and the introduction of more breakfast clubs in schools.

She finished by saying we hope the Executive will be quick to follow any positive developments from Westminster. But it is a sad indictment on our society and the capitalist system of government when committing Billions to fund nuclear weapons and other trappings of war, and ignoring the poverty of their citizens is acceptable to our political leaders. Who should be talking about peace not talking up the possibility of war to excuse and justify defence spending.