Pensions Bill

Debate between Liam Byrne and Jeremy Lefroy

Monday 17th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Byrne]

The Minister is right. I was referring to the problem that the state pension age has been moved a number of times in the past three years. The Opposition believe that it is unwise of the Secretary of State to ask for the right to review the pension age every five years because it will promote instability.

[Jeremy Lefroy]

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

[Mr Byrne]

I will move on, but I will give way in a moment.

A flat-rate pension is a good idea and its virtue should be widely enjoyed. It should be a universal system. During the passage of the Bill, the Opposition will look at how we can maximise its inclusivity and universal scope.