Labour has been accused of “running scared” of its own MPs in a row over a vote on the winter fuel payments cut.

Opposition parties are demanding a debate and vote in the House of Commons on the decision to axe the allowance for around 10 million pensioners.

Defence Secretary John Healey said during this morning’s broadcast round that MPs will be able to have their say at next month’s Budget.

But the Budget will be debated and voted on in its entirety, rather than on individual measures.

Mr Healey told BBC Breakfast: “What you’ll see next month when the Chancellor introduces the budget, you’ll see votes in the normal way.

“Then that will be an opportunity for the House of Commons to vote on a range of measures that the Government will have to take.”

But shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride urged Sir Keir Starmer‘s party to allow a vote on the issue.

The senior Tory 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 restricted to only those of pension credit.

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

But the decision has sparked an intense backlash from opposition parties, charities and even some Labour politicians.