The state pension is under siege as a growing army of critics in Westminster and beyond say we can no longer afford it. They argue that Britain is broke and the state cannot afford to look after people in a retirement that can last for 25 years or more.

They argue that as the nation ages, the state pension is only going to get less and less affordable. That we all live too long anyway and need to face facts.

Critics will use any weapon they can find to erode faith in the state pension, and now…