Isle of Wight Labour MP defends Winter Fuel Payment vote

As previously reported, IW East Conservative MP Joe Robertson voted in favour of annulling the proposal.

At the same time, Mr Quigley opted to press ahead with plans.

Yesterday's (Tuesday) motion to annul the plan was defeated by 348 votes to 228 in the House of Commons, meaning the number of fuel payments will fall from 11.4 million to 1.5 million this winter.

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payments vote

• Here's how our Island MPs voted in the Winter Fuel Payment debate

IW West MP, Richard Quigley, speaking to the County Press in the lead up to the general election (Image: IWCP)

Mr Quigley has received backlash from his IW West constituents on social media, including former MP Bob Seely, following his decision to vote in favour of the cuts.

In a statement to the County Press, Mr Quigley said: “During the campaign, I stood on a platform of finding a solution to the issue with ferries, all Islanders having their own front door, education, especially SEND and post 16, NHS dentistry and GP access as well as removing barriers to opportunity.

“I can only do that as part of the government in power.

“None of us wishes to make matters worse for any of our constituents, but the last government has made a much bigger mess of the country and its finances than even we thought.

“Long term, I am committed to ending poverty in all its forms, but the winter fuel allowance has been a sticking plaster that needs a better solution.

“The triple lock means pensions will increase way in excess of the winter fuel allowance, and the pension needs to continue to increase at that rate.

“Lots of people expressed concern over the future of their children and grandchildren during the election, fearing their futures were lost.

“I am fighting to give them a future, and what seems like a step backwards now means we will be able to sprint forward when we have cleared up the mess."