'No PM wants to take a decision like this'

Starmer defends winter fuel axe amid growing backlash

- LIZZY BUCHAN and DAVE BURKE

KEIR Starmer has said he was forced to cut the winter fuel allowance, amid a mounting backlash over the controversial decision.

Some 10 million pensioners will lose the lifeline payment this winter as the government grapples with a £22billion financial black hole.

But the Prime Minister admitted No10 is "going to have to be unpopular" due to the ravages of the Tories.

Yesterday, he was asked by the BBC to respond to an angry Labour voter, who said he felt betrayed by the cut.