We already have one the highest rates of pensioner poverty in Western Europe.
There are now real fears that more elderly people could be pushed below the breadline by the coronavirus pandemic.
We face the prospect of a generation in their 50s and 60s retiring in poor health and without enough money to support themselves.
Research by the Centre for Ageing Better suggests a fifth of people in those age groups have seen their physical health deteriorate during lockdown, and over a third say their mental health has worsened.
This Government has already decided to scrap free TV licences for the over-75s.
Now there are reports that the pension triple-lock is in its sights too.
With an estimated 1.6million pensioners on or below the poverty line, this would be not only a shortsighted move but a vindictive one.
The older generation have paid the highest price for the coronavirus – they should not be made to pay an economic price as well.
Plane stupid
There are more than four million children living in poverty.
Millions of elderly people cannot afford the care they need. Record numbers use foodbanks.
These are the issues that should be at the top of the Prime Minister’s in-tray.
And what is his priority?
Spending nearly £1million of taxpayers’ money repainting his ministerial jet.
Downing Street claims that rebranding the plane in the colours of the Union Flag will help boost the UK’s reputation abroad.
A better way to do that would be to change the plane’s passenger, not its paintwork.
It’s a net gain
After a hundred-day break, football came roaring back on Wednesday.
The grounds may have been empty but our love for the beautiful game has not gone away.
Nor has the joy of seeing your team win – or the disappointment of defeat.
