True voice of reason

ENJOYING fame and fortune from a hugely successful TV and film career, Ricky Tomlinson’s moral authority is rooted in never forgetting the people he started his life alongside.

The one-time building worker remembering the days when he had no money is a powerful moral voice for our poor and elderly.

And his voice is one of the most convincing yet for increasing the measly state pension and benefits by inflation so that the living standards of millions of Brits aren’t squeezed tighter.

Tories who last year broke the pension triple lock promised in their election manifesto – a commitment to raise rates by the highest out of inflation and wages, with a 2.5% floor – are having a laugh by expecting applause if they stick to the pledge in Thursday’s Budget.

Break it again and they will deserve the wrath not only of Ricky but every pensioner and family they betray. We must keep up the pressure to force the Conservatives to pay fair.