FORMER SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC has joined the court case seeking to overturn the British government’s cut to the winter fuel payment.

Having returned to legal practice after losing her Edinburgh South West seat in July’s general election, Ms Cherry will act as senior counsel in the case brought forward by Lanarkshire pensioners Florence and Peter Fanning.

The Coatbridge couple argue both British and Scottish governments failed to either consult pensioners or release a full equalities impact assessment before cutting eligibility for the £300 benefit.