As the Government confirmed the details of its u-turn on the winter fuel allowance, Julia Lopez MP challenged the Minister for Pensions on some of the Government's comments about the necessity of the cut in the first place.

Mrs Lopez asked:

'As my hon. Friend the Member for North Dorset (Simon Hoare) ably recalled, the Minister’s superiors told us that there would be a run on the pound unless pensioners took a hit on winter fuel. Given that every economic indicator was worse last year, can the Minister tell us whether the pound is safe with this U-turn, or whether this is just another example of his seniors’ talking utter bilge to justify their terrible decisions?'

The Minister, Torsten Bell MP, replied:

'It is the hon. Member who is talking bilge. Growth was the highest in the G7 in the first quarter of this year, interest rates have fallen four times, and wages have risen faster in 10 months than they did in 10 years under the Conservatives. What is happening is that we are sorting out their mess and putting Britain on a better track.'

Constituents can view a video of the full exchange on Julia's Facebook here.