As he continues to recover from the stroke he suffered in December the Island’s MP Andrew Turner has determined to travel to Westminster today to take part in a key vote to help those worst affected by losing all or part of their pensions as a result of pension schemes going bust. Mr Turner has been told by his doctors to take things slowly and ease himself back gently in work and as part of that process has decided to vote today on an amendment to the Pensions Bill which has gathered cross-party support over the past few days..
Mr Turner said
“There can be few things more distressing than facing an uncertain future in your twilight years, particularly when you have worked and saved hard all your life. Now that I am recovering I am keen to get back and represent Islanders effectively at Westminster. This amendment which is supported by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats and many principled Labour back-benchers has a real chance of success. I would feel terrible if the vote was lost by a very narrow margin on something so important which affects a large number of my constituents so I shall be attending and voting on this matter today.”
The amendment on which MPs will be voting calls for the establishment of a Pensions ‘Lifeboat Fund’ which will guarantee immediate payment of pensions to people whose pensions schemes have failed, typically due to company insolvency. It is estimated that over 125,000 people are affected who were members of 660 company schemes.
It is anticipated that it will be several months before Mr Turner will be back at work full-time.
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Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
