UNION activists and pensioners will protest outside Downing Street on Monday to demand immediate full reinstatement of winter fuel payments.

Unite and the National Pensioners Convention will say that the government’s proposed U-turn on the policy has so far been an empty promise.

The government says more pensioners will receive the allowance this winter – but payments will not be universal.

Ahead of the demonstration, which will have a ”we’re all ears, Keir” theme, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The winter fuel cut was a massive mistake. 

“The government needs to learn that when you are in a hole, you should stop digging. 

”You can’t leave pensioners in limbo while you work out plans for taxing the families of the deceased – just reverse the cut now. 

“We are the sixth richest economy in the world and we need to stop picking the pockets of pensioners and bring in a wealth tax.”