LABOUR have reportedly imposed “feudal” sanctions on MPs who defied the leadership to miss a vote on cutting pensioner benefits – and barred rebels from speaking out about the issue with the media.
The party’s reaction to a swathe of abstentions – some of which were approved by the whips – has been more muted to a rebellion in July on the two-child benefit cap which saw seven MPs suspended.
But the punishments meted out by party whips have still caused anger among MPs, The Guardian reports, with one MP describing their behaviour as “feudal”.
The MPs who did not have excuses for missing the vote have reportedly been sent letters telling them they are to have their future behaviour monitored and not to expect privileges, including help to get onto select committees.
A total of 52 Labour MPs abstained on the Winter Fuel Payment cut earlier this month and it has previously been reported that all but 12 had been given permission to skip the vote.
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The Guardian reported that MPs were instructed not to discuss the vote or its aftermath with journalists and that some have claimed the party whips actively encouraged MPs opposed to the cut to find reasons to skip the vote.
One MP told the paper: “Quite frankly, the letter is feudal and completely misplaced when people are abstaining to protect very vulnerable people.”
The policy was passed by Labour MPs, in a move expected to strip around 10 million pensioners of cash to help cover their energy bills, in a move the Government expects to save £1.4 billion per year.
Downing Street has since confirmed an impact assessment measuring how the change would affect people was not prepared.
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