Triple lock debate should not ignite intergenerational conflict - the issue is levelling up and inroduction of Universal Basic Income

The debate about whether the triple lock on pensions can be afforded has once again stirred amid budget speculation. Predictably, the mainstream media sets the debate in terms of intergenerational conflict, namely the elderly have it all, whilst younger generations are denied. So, let's impoverish the elderly. The fifth richest economy in the world cannot afford a decent pension (the one we have compares unfavourably with other European and Scandinavian countries). The whole debate is a false construct. The pension is affordable - the National Insurance fund has been billions in credit for years. It only reduced when the last Tory government made crazy cuts to National Insurance contributions. What is more life expectancy is no longer rising - there are also huge disparities in life expectancy depending on where you live and the circumstances. Population worldwide is in decline. The state pension is a right, not a welfare benefit or a privilege. People have paid 35 years plus to earn that pension. There is also little mention made of benefits, like the billions saved in free care provided by grandparents for their children and grandchildren, the voluntary work undertaken and increasing numbers of the elderly who continue to work. On the wider issues, there is AI - if it does wipe us all out the whole argument is a bit academic. If many jobs become redundant, the question will be what happens to the people? How will they earn a living? The obvious answer in a Universal Basic Income, levelling things up for young and old. This is where the debate should be not on trying to impoverish the elderly and drive a wedge between young and old on pensions. The final point is that any politician who attacks pensions and pensioners benefits is very unwise. Remember the winter fuel allowance debacle. The bottom line is that pensioners register highest amongst the cohort of citizens who vote. Alienate them at your electoral peril. published on Labour List - 21/10/2026