Labours stop the shirkers policy

[Pedro de la Rosa]

Surely we pay into it, through taxation and national insurance etc?

That's how it is supposed to work. You pay in when you can. You get the benefit when you need it. The issues arise when there is a perception people get something for nothing esp when others are struggling etc.

Either way I don't see how the state pension isn't a benefit that we all pay into?

It is a benefit. You pay the government, they decide how they spend the money you get. It doesn't get saved in an account for you. Benefits aren't bad, all people who are struggling should get them. That's the entire point of the welfare state.