Margaret Curran on the side of East End pensioners, fighting SNP cuts to heating programme

Margaret Curran, Labour’s Candidate for Glasgow East has today highlighted how she is fighting for East End pensioners.

She today met with Shettleston pensioner Annie Hall, 74, who is a former SNP supporter.

Following the meeting, Annie Hall said:

"I have been an SNP supporter in the past but will be supporting Margaret this time because Labour is the right choice. I personally don't think independence would work and to be honest it is not a big issue for me. I'm backing Margaret in this by-election because she will fight for me.

"I was really pleased to be able to talk to Margaret about my concerns today about the cost of living. It is clear to me that she will stand up for the East End.

"I think Gordon Brown has a difficult job but is doing a good one. I like my free bus travel and the heating allowance. I feel anti-social behaviour is being tackled, though of course there are health problems in this area, the NHS has got better - the Shettleston Health Centre is excellent and the care I've received at the hospital has been first class.

"I have lived here for 18 years and it is not a bad area. I love it and am fed up of seeing the East End talked down - that's why I'm backing Margaret."

Margaret said:

"I am delighted to meet someone who used to be an SNP voter but who is today announcing her support for me.  Annie was even an SNP activist at one stage but has now decided that independence is not in Scotland's interests.  I'm so pleased to have Annie's support and I have assured her that if elected I will stand up for her and all the people of the East End.

“I will protect the most vulnerable groups in society. I've already pledged to stop energy companies charging customers with pre-payment meters more than other customers. I will campaign for better insulation in all Glasgow’s homes to reduce bills and for an increase to the Winter Fuel Allowance.

"And I oppose the SNP's decision to means-test the free central heating programme for older residents which will disproportionately affect the high number of pensioners in the East End.

“People in the East End deserve to know that the day before yesterday my self-confessed hardline nationalist opponent, Councillor Mason, stood up and defended these awful cuts. This shows when it comes down to the real issues he is more interested in being Alex Salmond’s message boy than he is in fighting for the East End."