The SNP has blasted the former chief of Better Together for ‘hypocrisy’ – after he backed damaging cuts to disabled people despite fear-mongering over the issue during the independence referendum.
In the 2014 referendum, Better Together claimed social security payments to disabled people would be under threat unless Scotland voted against independence.
The campaign group claimed “Leaving the UK would be a leap in the dark for those reliant on benefits… by saying no thanks to separation we can make sure that we protect the most vulnerable in our society from the massive cuts that would have to happen in a separate Scotland.”
Yet, Better Together’s Campaign Director Blair McDougall is among a group of right-wing Scottish Labour MPs who have written a public letter backing £6billion of cuts to the UK’s social security safety net, which charities have warned will be ‘catastrophic’ and push 700,000 disabled people into poverty.
A coalition of disability and poverty charities, including Disability Rights UK, Scope, Mencap, Mind and Citizens Advice, has warned “making cuts to disability benefits would have a catastrophic impact on disabled people up and down the country.
“Scope’s analysis of government figures shows that without PIP, a further 700,000 more disabled households could be pushed into poverty.
“Life costs more for disabled people.
“Huge numbers already live in poverty as a result of these extra costs.
“The impact of any cuts to disability benefits would be devastating.”
During the election, the Labour Party repeatedly denied warnings from the SNP that it would make billions of pounds worth of cuts as a result of its conservative spending plans – with Anas Sarwar infamously claiming ‘read my lips: no austerity under Labour’.
Since the election, the Labour government has cut the winter fuel payment, blocked compensation for Waspi women, continued the two child benefit cap, slashed international aid, and is now planning £6billion of welfare cuts.
Commenting, SNP Deputy Westminster Leader Pete Wishart MP said:
“The Labour Party repeatedly lied to voters during the election.
“They have broken their promise on austerity cuts – and now families across Scotland are paying the price.
“Keir Starmer’s cuts will push thousands of disabled people into poverty.
“It’s galling to see Scottish Labour MPs acting as cheerleaders for the cuts when so many families will be hit.
“We were told we would be better off under a Labour government but the cost of energy, food and living is soaring, the UK economy is stagnant, businesses are cutting jobs, and now the Labour Party is punching down on the poorest and taking money from disabled people.
“The hypocrisy of Scottish Labour MPs is staggering.
“Former Better Together chief Blair McDougall spent the independence referendum falsely claiming benefits were only safe under Westminster control, and now he’s cheering on as the Labour government slashes them.
“The SNP will stand up for disabled people and oppose these appalling Labour Party cuts every step of the way.”
