The SNP has slammed Labour’s newly appointed DWP spokesperson for a shocking interview that the party said “turned back the clock to the worst aspects of Blairism.”
In an interview with Politics Home, Shadow Secretary for the Department for Work and Pensions, Jonathon Reynolds (pictured), claimed that those who have made “greater contributions to the system” should receive more out of it.
He added:
“One of the reasons that support for social security has diminished amongst parts of the country is the sense that people put into the system and they don’t get anything out of it.”
The ill-judged intervention comes as increasing numbers of workers turn to the social security system due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Shona Robison MSP said:
“Sadly, it looks like Keir Starmer’s front bench wants to turn back the clock to the worst aspects of Blairism.
“There are countless failures of the social security system under the Tories – yet Labour’s first instinct is to reinforce misguided and harmful ideas about ‘strivers’ and ‘scroungers’.
“At a time when people across the country are worried about their jobs and livelihoods due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these comments show a complete lack of awareness and understanding.
“Tory welfare cuts are driving more and more people in Scotland into poverty, and it’s utterly bizarre for Labour to suggest that the priority should be returning more money to high earners.
“They should apologise for these shocking remarks, and commit to a social security system which acts as a safety net for those who desperately need support.”
