We cannot allow this Government to push people to work longer and longer to pay for its failed austerity agenda - Abrahams

Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to Government plans to increase the state pension age, said;

“This is an astonishing continuation of austerity that means 34 million people will work longer than under Labour’s plans.

“The latest research shows that working people in some places will now fall ill ten years before receiving their state pension under the Tories' new plan - and just days ago, evidence emerged showing that increases in life expectancy are stalling.

“Indeed, most pensioners will now face what has been described as a “toxic cocktail” of ill health throughout their whole retirement.

“We cannot allow this Government to push people to work longer and longer to pay for its failed austerity agenda.

“That’s why Labour will leave the state pension age at 66, while we look again at the emerging evidence, with a view to guaranteeing a secure and healthy retirement for the many, not just the few.”