Badenoch defends pension triple lock as 'current' Tory policy

Key facts

• Kemi Badenoch defended the pension triple lock as current Conservative Party policy.
• Badenoch stated the triple lock is included in the Conservative Party's draft manifesto.
• Badenoch argued the triple lock is a reward for pensioners who have contributed.
• Andy Burnham proposed ending the state pension guarantee to fund a national care service.
• Burnham's plans aim to raise £15 billion annually by the end of the 2030s.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has defended the pension triple lock, stating it is the party's "current" policy and is included in their "draft manifesto." She argued that the policy, which ensures pensioners who have "contributed" are properly rewarded, is a symptom of a larger economic problem rather than the root cause of rising costs.

Badenoch suggested that the focus should be on reviving the UK's economy to address affordability concerns, rather than solely on reforming the pension guarantee. She criticized proposals by Andy Burnham, leader of the Labour Party, to end the existing state pension guarantee, which he hopes would raise £15 billion annually by the end of the 2030s to fund a new national care service.

While acknowledging that the triple lock is becoming more expensive, Badenoch insisted that the real issue lies with welfare spending on those who can work but do not. She stated that the Conservative Party brought in the triple lock and that their current policies are reflected in their draft manifesto. Labour, however, criticized Badenoch's stance, highlighting the social care crisis and accusing the Conservatives of ignoring the issue.