Angry protesters gathered today outside Glasgow's Scottish Power buildings claiming that “thousands will die this winter” as a result of fuel poverty.

Organised by the Scottish Tenants Organisation (STO), the protest outside the St Vincent Street premises was in response to the UK Government scrapping universal winter fuel payments, and Ofgem’s energy price cap rising by 10% this month.

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Sean Clerkin, STO campaign coordinator, said that Prime Minister Keir Starmer was responsible for “thousands of pensioners dying this winter,” and called on the UK Government to reverse the cut to winter fuel payments.

He said: “The Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer is sentencing thousands of pensioners to death this winter.

“This is violence against the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society.

“Not only that, the 10% price increase will mean that thousands of people, not just pensioners, will not be turning on their heating this winter. People in their thousands will be dying of cold-related illnesses.

“Make no mistake: people will die this winter because of this. It’s an absolute scandal.”

Sean Clerkin, of the Scottish Tenants Organisation, holding the microphoneSean Clerkin, of the Scottish Tenants Organisation, holding the microphone (Image: Gordon Terris)

Protesters exclaimed their anger that bills were rising whilst Scottish Power owners Iberdrola made €4.13 billion of profit in the first six months of 2024.

Ian McInnes, convenor for STO, said Glasgow pensioners would be forced to choose between “heating or eating.”

He added: “It’s back to that old horrible slogan: heat or eat. It’s going to be devastating for pensioners in Glasgow.

“When you had a benefit for everyone like the winter fuel payment, it meant nobody was being missed out. If Mick Jagger happened to get it as well, then so what?

“There’s always money for missiles but no money for pensioners.”

Protesters held signs saying 'pensioners will die this winter'Protesters held signs saying 'pensioners will die this winter' (Image: Gordon Terris)

A 79-year-old protestor, who did not wish to be named, echoed Ian’s comments.

He said: “The government has left us with only two choices. 

“Freeze to death, or starve to death. That’s what they’re leaving pensioners to do. It’s either heat or eat. And they don’t give a damn.

“There’s a lot of people that won’t get by. We’re not out demonstrating just for ourselves; it’s for everybody. It’s a sad state of affairs.”

Laura Jones, a 37-year-old Glasgow resident, said she was protesting after being “horrified by the coldheartedness of this government.”

She said: “It’s symptomatic of the government’s attitude generally. 

“Homeless people are dying. It seems like the most vulnerable just don’t count.

“The cost of living generally is just insane. The cost of food and fuel is going up and it’s all being driven by profit."

People inside the Scottish Power building look out at the protestersPeople inside the Scottish Power building look out at the protesters (Image: Gordon Terris)

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that only people receiving Pension Credit will be eligible for the £300 winter fuel payment.

Glasgow Times previously reported on the efforts of a Coatbridge couple to sue the Scottish and the UK government regarding this decision - with the help of former First Minister Alex Salmond.

Regarding the cuts, Mrs Reeves previously said: “These weren't decisions that I wanted to make, but they were decisions that were essential to get a grip on the public finances.

“We are working hard to ensure that everybody who's entitled to Pension Credit gets it.

“We're working to make sure that everybody that's entitled to that benefit gets it and the winter fuel payment associated with it.”

The protesters were angry about rising billsThe protesters were angry about rising bills (Image: Gordon Terris)

A Scottish Power spokesperson said: “Changes to the winter fuel payment allowance were decided by the UK Government and the price cap is set by the energy regulator Ofgem.

“At ScottishPower, we invest more than we make in the UK and pride ourselves on being a responsible and considerate energy supplier - putting our customers at the heart of everything we do.

“We offer an extensive package of customer support and advice, including our Hardship Fund, which provided more than £8 million to help customers in 2023; our dedicated care and affordability teams; and our groundbreaking pilot ‘warm home prescription’ partnership with the NHS and Energy Systems Catapult to support vulnerable households.

“We would urge any customers struggling with their energy bills to get in touch.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting pensioners, with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.

“Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take up has already seen a 152% increase in claims.

"Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills over winter while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”