Veterans must keep winter fuel allowance, an ex-army captain Liberal Democrat MP has insisted.

The Party’s defence spokeswoman Helen Maguire has launched a parliamentary motion calling for service men and women to be included in eligibility rules for the up to £300 lifeline.

Ms Maguire, a former Army captain in the Royal Military Police, said: “The cruel cut to the winter fuel allowance will hit some veterans incredibly hard.

“We know many veterans struggle financially after leaving the service, and the last thing they need is this support pulled away as colder weather approaches.”

The Express has spoken with several veteran pensioners since Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to axe the winter fuel allowance for up to 10 million older people ahead of winter.

She decided to means-test the winter fuel payment meaning it is now available only to those on pension credit.

The Government made the move in a bid to fill the £22 billion blackhole it claims to have inherited from the Tories.

Ms Maguire said: “The government has a fundamental duty to protect our servicemen and women – and that duty must extend to the rules on the winter fuel payment.

“That’s why I’m incredibly proud to table this motion, calling for the government to step up and reverse the cuts to the winter fuel allowance for veterans. I am urging MPs from all parties to sign this and send the government a message”.