Labour plan to appoint O’Reilly as ‘champion’ for elderly

By The Press Association22nd April 2015News EnglandGeneral Election, News England, Older People

A former Countryfile presenter who won a landmark legal case against the BBC over age discrimination would become an independent commissioner for older people if Labour takes power, the party has announced.

Miriam O’Reilly (pictured) would fight age discrimination and champion rights as well as push for the better treatment for pensioners in health and social care.

The television presenter won an employment tribunal against the corporation when she was rejected for a role on a revamped prime-time version of Countryfile.

She said: “Older people have a vital role to play in our society, yet I constantly hear from older people that they are frightened of the future and feeling vulnerable in a society which does not see their worth. After a lifetime of contributing to our country, they feel growing older has made them invisible.

“That’s why I would be delighted to take on this important role in a future Labour Government.

“Our older generation needs to be championed because otherwise we are in danger of missing out on a vast resource of talent, knowledge and experience.

“We have to put a balance back into our society where older people are as valued as our young, where those in their later years are not written off or seen as a burden and where the right help and support is there for people when they come to need it.”

Labour made the announcement as it launched its mini-manifesto, which outlines the party’s plan to end the “clock-watch” social care culture of 15 minute visits.

Incentives would also be introduced to make social care providers intervene before patients’ problems escalate under its plans.

The document also sets out Labour’s triple lock on the state pension that would mean it always rises by earnings, inflation or 2.5%, whichever is highest.

Shadow Work and Pensions Rachel Reeves said: “I am delighted that Miriam O’Reilly has agreed to work with the next Labour government to champion the rights of older people and pensioners.

“On David Cameron’s watch, the NHS has gone backwards and far too many older people have faced inadequate 15- minute social care visits. The Tories’ failure on pension fees and charges has cost savers up to £750, and pensioner incomes have been squeezed by a £300 rise in energy bills since 2010.

“Labour has a better plan for older people and pensioners. We will rescue and improve the NHS, ending the 15-minute visit culture and guarantee a GP appointment within 48 hours.

“We will restrict winter fuel payments for the richest five per cent of pensioners but guarantee no further changes to winter fuel payments, free TV licences, or free bus passes. And we will take tough action on pension fraud and mis-selling.”