SDLP MPs voted have voted against proposed reductions to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in the House of Commons.

Addressing the issue from Westminster, MP Claire Hanna expressed her concerns.

She said: "Reducing Winter Fuel Payments poses a serious threat of driving pensioners into fuel poverty in the coming months. The changes are too narrowly focused, with insufficient notice, leading to significant anxiety for many of our constituents.

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"We accept, of course, the challenging financial conditions and mess left by the Conservatives, but balancing the books should not come at the cost of the wellbeing or health of vulnerable older people, many on very modest incomes. The UK profits of energy company dwarf the apparent £22bn hole in the public finances and the SDLP has consistently called for both windfall taxes and the delivery social tariffs for lower income fuel customers.

"The SDLP has been consistent in our opposition to this cut at Westminster and at the Northern Ireland Assembly, where the four party NI Executive has given up the principle power of devolution, without properly exploring local mitigation. The Communities Minister should reconsider and other parties in the Executive should be clear if they back his position."