Those over 70 are one of the demographics least likely to vote Labour so there's an element of punishing them with, as Starmer probably sees it, little cost electorally. Then there's the myth of 'every other pensioner is a millionaire' spread by folk like inherited-wealth enjoying, self-appointed poverty 'expert' Polly Toynbee so many politicians have a genuine ignorance of the realities of the lives of older folk.

However, the main reason, I believe, is that pensioners generally and working class pensioners in particular, are not an attractive cause for the political class to champion. They've got the 'wrong' opinions on a whole raft of subjects - they probably believe, for example, that biological sex is important and immutable.

There a parallel situation in education - it's been known for years that the most under-performing group educationally is white, working class boys. So, where's the plan to address this? There isn't one because no-one in the political class gives two hoots for this demographic. Working class elderly and the working class young? They should die already.