Tories Reaffirm Pension Triple Lock Commitment, Criticize Reform UK

Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart has reaffirmed the party's commitment to the state pension triple lock, characterizing pensioners as a "special case" who deserve different treatment because they can no longer increase their income through work. This statement comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham has proposed ending the triple lock from 2030 to fund a new national care service.

Burghart suggested that any "difficult decisions" regarding welfare should be focused on benefits for the working-age population. He argued for a bifurcated approach to welfare, one for pensioners and another for working-age adults, stating that pensioners have "reached the end of their working lives" and have "a right to be looked after properly," while the same cannot be said for those still in the workforce. He clarified that his argument primarily applies to "people who can work and should be in work," distinguishing them from adults with disabilities who are unable to work.

The Conservatives have historically advocated for stricter controls on sickness and disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Burghart criticized Burnham for not pursuing such cuts earlier, suggesting that the government is now facing a "very serious problem" with an untouched budget at the center of government.

Furthermore, Burghart defended the Conservative approach to unemployment benefits for young people, stating that 18-year-olds leaving school will no longer be able to "sign on" the day after finishing their education. Instead, they will be required to attend job centers for supervised activities such as courses, job application assistance, or job searching to claim benefits. He expressed concern that some young people were forming "very bad habits" by signing on too early in life.

In addition to domestic policy, Burghart firmly rejected any possibility of an electoral pact with Reform UK, either before or after a general election. He criticized Reform UK over alleged financial irregularities and donations from individuals involved in cryptocurrency, stating, "We do not want to do a deal with those people."