Andrea Jenkyns shuts down 'Tory hater' caller on Jeremy Vine in winter fuel debate

Andrea Jenkyns was locked in a fierce debate with a Jeremy Vine caller who claimed cutting the winter fuel payments for pensioners was the right decision.

By Jennie Buzaglo, Showbiz Reporter

Jeremy Vine: Andrea Jenkyns debates with caller about Winter Fuel Payment

Andrea Jenkys clashed with a caller on Jeremy Vine after he claimed Labour's decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners was the correct one.

Last month, the Labour government announced the universal payment to pensioners, worth between £100 and £300 a year, would be restricted to just those who receive pension credit. The change will mean more than 10 million pensioners will no longer get the payment, with Keir Starmer now on the receiving end of extensive backlash.

During Monday's instalment (September 9) of Jeremy Vine, a caller named Raymond said the decision is "spot on". He explained: "It's a bit rich from the Tories when they brought in payments for dentists and now they're saying you're hitting the poor.

"We're not hitting the poor. We're hitting the people who have money like Edwina Curry and Boris Johnson's dad and all them that don't need it." Jenkyns jumped in, claiming Raymond sounds like a "Conservative hater" who has never voted for the Tories.

Andrea Jenkyns on Jeremy Vine

Andrea Jenkyns (Image: X/Jeremy Vine)

"I once got conned when that Thatcher woman was speaking a load of rubbish," Raymond said before Jenkyns interjected: "I assume you're a trade unionist as well then? Yes."

Raymond revealed he voted for Margaret Thatcher more than 40 years ago, leading Vine to ask: "Are you still carrying that?" He responded: "Absolutely, I was mortified."

Back on the subject of winter fuel payments, Jenkyns said: "I've had hard left in my constituency's saying this. They hate the Conservatives. You assume that all Tories are rich when we are not. You seem to have that attitude to me, Raymond."

Raymond shut down these claims, saying Jenkyns was putting "words in his mouth". The politician laughed at this response before Raymond said he wasn't "hard left".

During the debate, Jenkyns questioned why Starmer has given public sector payrises but cut the winter fuel payments. Henry Bonsu claimed this was to help grow the economy.

"We complain about waiting lists and yet we let junior doctors go on strike for two years," he said. Jenkys responded: "They shouldn't be striking. I wouldn't have anybody on the front line striking."

Bonsu hit back: "But you want people to do a job that you and I are not qualified to do. Seven years training and looking after lives. They need a fair rate for the job. I value doctors and nurses."

When Jenkyns said she too values doctors and nurses, Bonsu swiped: "Not enough it seems."

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