Fair deal for pensioners: It's time for action - A blot of shame on

THE plight of our pensioners must now be at the top of this Government's priorities - that's the message which will be delivered at the rally in London on Tuesday.

In terms of the State provision, Britain's pensioners are worse off than those in any comparable country, and it is a blot of shame on our society that so many have to live in poverty.

That's why the TUC supports the principle that the State pension should be linked to the national average wage. It is the only way to ensure that those who have worked and paid into the system all their lives can now share in the nation's economic prosperity.

I don't dismiss what this Labour Government has already done for the elderly. The increase in the Minimum Income Guarantee, the free TV licence and the winter fuel payments are all welcome measures. But pensioners resent the means testing which goes with the MIG. They deserve better.

Our demand is for a substantial increase in that payment - a rise of pounds 5 a week for a single person and pounds 8 for a married couple. That 75p handout to pensioners this year was the Government's biggest mistake. Putting it right is now their biggest challenge.

I applaud the Sunday Mirror for the voice it has given to the pensioners' cause and Tuesday's rally will be a powerful symbol of this country's support for the campaign.

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