Pensions Bill

This is a very good amendment, which we strongly support. That is why I put my name to it. Probing amendments are often tabled, but this is different: it is an enabling amendment. In that sense, the noble Baroness has made the case for it very well. We on these Benches are officially in favour of a citizen’s pension. Who knows how the politics of this country will develop over the next few years? In recent years, as Secretaries of State for Work and Pensions went in and out of the rotating door, there was a period when the likelihood of a citizen’s pension was fairly close, even with this Government. Given how things can change, the amendment seems very sensible. There would be nil cost and it is a very obvious measure to pass. We support it very strongly indeed.