TRADE unionists and pensioners will mobilise on Monday to demand the government reverse its axing of the winter fuel allowance.

Unite, the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) and the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum will head a mass demonstration outside Parliament calling for the allowance to be restored to all pensioners.

During Labour’s annual conference last month, Unite defeated the party leadership when it won support for a motion demanding the restoration of the allowance and the introduction of a wealth tax to fund it.

The union is campaigning under the slogan “Defend the Winter Fuel Payment.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The government’s winter fuel policy needs to be reversed. Picking the pockets of pensioners is not a tough choice — it is a mistake.

“There is no reason why we have to choose between paying workers and keeping pensioners warm. Unite’s retired members are furious and will be making their voice heard.”

NPC secretary Jan Shortt said the axing of the winter fuel allowance coupled with the government regulator’s raising of the cap on fuel prices would mean an increase in fuel bills of 131 per cent for those pensioners affected.

“Temperatures are already falling,” she said.

“Pensioners are already vulnerable to health conditions — respiratory infections, heart disease. We need warmth.”

After the rally, a delegation of Unite members will meet MPs to discuss a timetable for action to restore the allowance.

The demonstration will assemble at noon at the George V statue in Abingdon Street.