The SNP has accused Westminster of preparing to “pick the pockets of pensioners” after Nigel Farage refused to commit to protecting the state pension triple lock.
During a keynote speech, the Reform UK leader said that “no one could currently project on pensions or thresholds,” echoing comments from Reform MP Richard Tice, who confirmed that “everything’s up for review.”
The triple lock guarantees that the state pension rises annually by the highest of inflation, average wages, or 2.5 percent, a vital safeguard for millions of older people across the UK.
Farage also raised alarm by boasting that he would deliver “the biggest benefit cuts you’ve probably ever heard any government do,” prompting warnings from the SNP of devastating consequences for pensioners already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.
SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Kirsty Blackman MP said the comments confirm that Westminster remains a danger to Scotland’s pensioners.
“Westminster is again lining up to pick the pockets of pensioners,” she said.
“Keir Starmer came into office and his first act was to cut the winter fuel payment for pensioners.
“It is becoming crystal clear that one of Nigel Farage’s first acts, if he comes to power, will be scrapping the triple lock.”
“Whether it’s under Starmer right now or with Farage in the future, Westminster governments are a real threat to Scottish pensioners and their pensions.”
She said Westminster’s record on pensions and social security speaks for itself.
“It is worth remembering and repeating that Westminster governments have left the UK with one of the lowest state pensions in the OECD.
“That dire economic reality has been deepened by the disaster of Brexit and its impact on the public finances and now the architect of that Brexit disaster, Nigel Farage, is coming back to impose more damage on pensioners and the most vulnerable.”
Blackman said that for years pensioners have been left behind while governments in London make choices that worsen hardship.
“In recent years the Westminster pattern of punishing pensioners has been the same: they have cut the winter fuel payment, broken promises to the Waspi women, increased the state pension age, and fuelled a cost-of-living crisis that’s left pensioners facing sky-high bills.”
“Now Westminster is threatening to scrap the triple lock and cut pensions under a Farage future.
“The only way to stop Westminster imposing further cuts and to protect our pensioners is through a fresh start with independence.”
