Finance Minister Rachel Reeves asked about the budget…

The Chancellor will face fierce backlash from her own party during her speech and fresh attacks from the Tories over her decision to cut winter heating allowances for millions of pensioners.

In England and Wales, only recipients of pension support or other income-related benefits are entitled to the payment. Ministers say the government's decision is necessary to plug a £22 billion black hole in public finances.

Sir Keir defended the move, which is expected to save around £1.5 billion this year.

“I don't want to cut winter heating subsidies… but we need to get the fundamentals of our economy right and that's what this is about – making sure we get the fundamentals right and then, when we've done that, we can build a better future that pensioners and so many other people voted for in this election,” he said.