Keir Starmer faces potential Labour rebellion as MPs to vote on winter fuel axe next week

Sir Keir Starmer faces a potential Labour rebellion next week as MPs are expected to be given a vote on axing winter fuel payments.

It is understood the controversial change, which is due to come into force on September 16, will be debated in the Commons.

Opposition parties have been calling for a debate and vote on the decision to restrict the payments to only those on pension credit.

But the Government's huge majority means the move is unlikely to be overturned despite opposition from some Labour MPs.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride earlier accused Sir Keir Starmer of "running scared" from his own MPs as he called for a vote on the measure.

The senior Conservative MP said: “Labour are playing games with pensioners with many facing the risk of having to choose between eating and heating this winter.

“Today Labour’s Defence Secretary said there would only be a vote on their decision to cut winter fuel payments after the Budget despite the fact the cut will come into force before the Budget.

“It is appalling that Labour are cutting pensioners’ winter fuel payment just as bills are going up.

"They must stop running scared of their own MPs and guarantee a vote before these measures come into effect.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves blamed the state of the public finances when she announced in July that winter fuel payments would be scrapped for around 10 million older people.

The payments of up to £300 a year were previously available to all pensioners regardless of income or benefits.

Speaking in the Commons today, Ms Reeves defended the move as she repeatedly told MPs that increases to the basic state pension mean that people will be "£900 better off" than a year ago.

But she faced warnings from her own MPs and those on the opposition benches about the potential consequences of the policy.