3 more MPs sign to keep WFP

ANOTHER three MPs signed overnight to annul regulations removing the Winter Fuel Payment from expats in ‘warm’ countries days before the deadline runs out.

If you think the payment should be maintained for people in France make sure you raise it with your MP. A debate could be held at any time now.

There are now a total 20 signatures in support of Roger Gale’s motion to annul new regulations that restrict WFP to people in named ‘cold’ countries, not including France.

If you will lose the payment next winter under the regulations and feel the UK is acting unfairly in taking this right away from expatriates like yourself, Connexion would urge you to contact your MP if you have not done so yet. The chance for MPs to contest the changes runs out on Monday next week.

Your British MP is the one for the constituency where you were last registered to vote.

Sir Roger (Con), who tabled the motion against the new regulations, known as a ‘prayer’, recommends stressing this is not an ordinary “Early Day Motion”, despite it being listed on the House of Commons order paper as such – as ordinary EDMs are ignored by many MPs. He also advises you to send a personal message about why you would be affected by losing the WFP and why you think this is unfair.

The latest signatures are from three Labour MPs, Linda Riordan, Mark Lazarowicz and John Mann. That brings the total to seven each for Labour and the Conservatives, five Lib Dems and one Green.

MPs in support so far can be found at:
MPs who have signed the ‘prayer’.

For more details, please see our previous articles:

How to lobby your MP over WFP
Last chance to keep expats’ WFP

Photo: Mgimelfarb