Ricky Tomlinson fears pensioners will die if the Conservatives don't keep the 'triple lock' in place.
The triple lock on pensions was introduced in 2010 and guarantees they increase at least in line with pensions. There are fears Rishi Sunak could abandon the policy in this week's autumn financial statement.
The Royle Family actor shared his concerns about the future for pensioners, saying it was a "disgrace" that the elderly are having to resort to using foodbanks. He demanded the government protect them, reports the Mirror.
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He said: “The least we can do is repay them the debt of gratitude that we owe them.” Ricky recalled the harrowing case of a pensioner who last year died trying to survive by eating cardboard.
He said: “I know people will die, because some of them are so proud they think they are asking for handouts and they won’t do it. They’re entitled to whatever they need. Shelter, warmth and food is not too much to ask.”
And of the dwindling number of veterans appearing at Poppy Day parades, Ricky said: “They’re having to remind the nation of the sacrifices they made. Some were in wheelchairs and on crutches. It makes me angry.
"They shouldn’t have to be worrying about electric and gas bills. The triple lock is a right. They paid, in a lot of cases, the ultimate price. They say lest we forget but I think we have forgotten.”
Ricky supports Age UK’s call for Rishi Sunak to ensure older people do not face a real terms cut to incomes. The charity has told how elderly people are living on biscuits due to rising bills.
The actor added: “It’s appalling. “One of the richest nations can’t feed and look after our pensioners.”
Age UK’s Caroline Abrahams added: “It’s hard to believe in 2022, we are facing a hardship among our older population of a kind we thought belonged to the past.”
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