Clapham and Brixton Hill MP absent from vote on Winter Fuel Allowance cuts, but registers strong opposition

The Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, did not take part in the Parliamentary vote on the Conservative motion to block plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance.

In a statement, Ribeiro-Addy explained her absence, saying:

“I’m unable to attend today’s vote on winter fuel payment cuts, but I’d like to place my opposition on record. The Tories left the country in a dire economic state. But it is wrong to place the burden on the most vulnerable, who have suffered so much over the last 14 years.”

Elsewhere, the other three Labour MPs representing constituencies in our area voted against the Tory motion.

Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, joined her Labour colleagues in opposing the measure.

Steve Reed, MP for Streatham and Croydon North and a member of the Cabinet, also voted against the Conservative proposal, along with Florence Eshalomi, MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green.

The final tally in Parliament saw 228 MPs backing the Conservative motion, with 348 voting against it. A total of 52 MPs did not take part in the vote, though it remains unclear if they abstained or were unable to attend due to illness or government business.

Despite her absence, Ribeiro-Addy’s statement made it clear that, had she been present, she would have opposed the cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, standing firmly in advocating for the protection of the most vulnerable.