LONDON, May 18 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May was facing a backlash Thursday after announcing in her election manifesto that the elderly would pay the cost of her measures.
Political parties have traditionally protected pensions and welfare benefits for Britain's army of pensioners, traditionally the most likely group to vote in elections.
It led to some commentators saying that May was either brave or foolish to raid pensions.
May plans to end the annual guaranteed rise in pensions, known as the triple lock, though there will still be yearly increases. She also aims to scrap the annual payment of up to 300 pounds (390 U.S. dollars) paid to all pensioners to help pay for their winter fuel bills. It was originally introduced to ensure pensioners did not have to go cold during the worse weather.
Leading the attack was Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party. He accused May of betraying millions of pensioners.
Frances O'Grady, general secretary of Britain's main trades union body, the TUC, said "The Conservatives have made the wrong political choice with their pledge to scrap the triple-lock."
Britain's largest charity organisation for the elderly, AGE UK, also attacked the raid on pensions. Director Caroline Abrahams said May's manifesto would hit many people regarded as "asset rich but income poor."
