Labour was tonight accused of using Keir Starmer’s resignation to bury bad news about plans to switch all television to an internet-only model.

In proposals set to be published tomorrow, ministers will outline plans to turn off digital terrestrial television (DTT) as early as 2034.

But campaigners warned this was too early and the move could hit millions of pensioners who still rely on DTT to access programmes for free. They are calling for a delay until at least 2040.

It would mean the end of Freeview, which functions through aerials and reaches 13.6million homes across the UK and is the main television platform for 40 per cent of households with a set.

As many as 1.5million households are expected to still be reliant on DTT by 2035.

At present, it allows households to tune in to programmes without paying costly broadband bills.

But once the platform is phased out they will need internet access to watch channels, potentially adding hundreds of pounds to annual household bills.

Dennis Reed, director of charity Silver Voices, said: ‘Sneaking out a plan to force broadband bills onto vulnerable pensioners the day after the Prime Minister resigns tells you everything you need to know.

‘The next Labour leader must kill this half-baked proposal before it becomes their own winter fuel moment.’

This was a reference to Sir Keir axing the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners after entering Downing Street, only to U-turn amid mounting opposition.

Dawn McNally, of Age UK, added: ‘For many, free-to-air television remains one of the simplest and most reliable ways to access news, information, and entertainment.

‘It can also provide a sense of routine and connection, particularly for those who live alone or have limited opportunities to get out and about.’

Today the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will launch a Green Paper and a consultation on when to phase out DTT, with 2034 being the earliest option.

The department said it was ‘committed to ensuring that no-one is left behind’.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: ‘As the media landscape moves further and further online away from traditional broadcasting we must act so that our world-leading TV sector continues to thrive and top quality UK content keeps being produced.’