Pensioners still face fuel poverty, as Islington MP's no-show helps kill Fuel Poverty Bill

1.21.00pm GMT Sun 22nd Mar 2009

Local campaigners have reacted with fury to the loss of the Fuel Poverty Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP David Heath.

20,000 people needlessly die from the cold each year, and many more become ill. Fuel prices have more than doubled over the last five years. Many homes are poorly insulated so that energy is wasted. The Fuel Poverty Bill would end fuel poverty by 2016 by bringing all homes up to standard and cutting fuel bills for the poorest families, while fighting climate change and creating much-needed jobs.

The Bill has been backed by many major charities, including Age Concern and Friends of the Earth. As a Private Members' Bill, without Government backing, it needed votes from at least 100 MPs to become law. Sadly, in Friday's vote, it just missed getting the 100 votes needed. Of Islington's MPs, Jeremy Corbyn backed the Bill, but Emily Thornberry failed to turn up for the vote.

Gordon Lishman of Age Concern says: "This is a huge let-down for the 2.75 million older people living in fuel poverty and many will question why a Government which claims to be concerned about fuel poverty has acted in such a cynical way."

Finsbury pensioner, and former Mayor of Islington, Joe Trotter, adds " "We need something to be done. Pensioners who've worked hard all their lives are finding it tough. Our gas bills have gone up and the Government does nothing to help most of us."

Liberal Democrat campaigner Bridget Fox says "If your MP could help pass a Bill in Parliament which could save lives, help the poorest people in Britain , help in the fight against climate change, and create jobs in a recession, don't you think that would be worthwhile? But apparently Emily Thornberry MP does not."

Bridget adds, "I want to thank all the Islington residents who signed my petition supporting the Bill. I would have voted for the Bill, and I congratulate MPs from all parties who did so. It's very sad that despite their hard work, the Bill will not go forward.

"I'm totally disgusted with Emily Thornberry MP, who once again did not bother to vote. She has helped kill a Bill that would have helped so many people. Local people deserve better from their MP."

Ms Thornberry has already come in for criticism after failing to vote in crucial debates on Heathrow and knife crime; she voted in favour of Post Office closures, against tax cuts, and against more money for social housing in Islington.

Related Links:

"Devastating blow" for households in fuel poverty .

Bridget Fox's 'Fairer fuel bills now!' petition.