Rishi Sunak has been forced to address claims that millions of pensioners could suffer a cut to the State Pension. He was asked at Prime Minister's Questions to explain a plan to abolish National Insurance and how it would be paid for.
Labour leader Keir Starmer suggested one of the ways it could be funded is by cutting the State Pension. The Prime Minister refused to directly engage with the question but did stress the Conservatives have committed to keeping the triple lock if they were to win the next election.
The triple lock ensures the State Pension increases each year in line with whatever is highest out of inflation, wages and 2.5% and guarantees a rise for millions of pensioners. Mr Sunak also pointed out the fact the pension has just risen by around £900 a year under the triple lock, because of high inflation last year.
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It is the latest row over the future of National Insurance, the tax paid by millions of working people. Abolishing it would save households a considerable sum of money but Labour has repeatedly questioned how the pledge would be paid for, suggesting pensions or the NHS might have to take a hit.
It comes ahead of the general election later this year when the economy is likely to be a key feature of the campaign. Sir Keir asked the Prime Minister: "Is the £46bn promise to abolish National Insurance being paid for by tax, the NHS or pensions?"
Mr Sunak responded saying the Conservatives had just put up the State Pension and intended to stick with the triple lock.
