On Monday I was delighted to take part at the first ever Southwark Pensioners' Parliament in the House of Commons.

It was chaired by Tony Farsky from the Southwark Pensioners Action Group (SPAG) and was attended by over 50 older people from Southwark.

Since Labour has been in Government we have taken a great deal of action to make sure that older people are better off and have better lives.

Labour have brought in free prescriptions for over 60s, free bus travel, free eyesight tests, free swimming, free TV licenses for over 75 and help with the cost of heating.

The winter fuel payment which I introduced when I was Secretary of State for social security has helped many older people stay warm this winter and has benefited many people in Southwark.

Over half of older people over the retirement age in Southwark also get pension credit and special cold weather payments - which can be a lifeline in the sort of weather we have been having this winter.

I am hoping that the next Pensioners Parliament will take part in the chamber of the House of Commons and I am looking forward to being there.