The Chancellor has engaged in discussions with Labour MPs prior to a critical vote on cutting the winter fuel allowance.

Rachel Reeves defended the government's decision, citing a £22bn shortfall in public finances.

Despite concerns for pensioners, Reeves emphasized no additional mitigations are planned beyond the state pension triple lock and the household support fund.

Keir Starmer will reiterate the government's need for 'hard graft' in a speech at the Trades Union Congress in Brighton.

The move has sparked discontent within Labour and criticism from union leaders.