Maree Todd MSP has hit out at Scottish Labour for failing to exert influence in the national party, following Keir Starmer’s shameful U-turn on the abhorrent two-child benefit cap.
Previously, the Scottish Labour Party leader, Anas Sarwar, made statements where he pledged to work with UK colleagues to abolish the two-child cap and scrap the rape clause, branding it a ‘horrific piece of legislation.’
Commenting, Maree Todd MSP said:
“The consequences of the two-child benefit cap are clear – it pushes many vulnerable children and families further into poverty.
“It is appalling that despite the evidence, Keir Starmer has chosen to abandon his party’s pledge to scrap the abhorrent two-child benefit cap in a shameful and indefensible U-turn.
“Despite his previous statements, Anas Sarwar has been unable to exert any influence on Labour policies in his role as Scottish Labour leader.”
In 2021, the Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Child Payment, a weekly payment of £25 for all eligible children under the age of 16.
“According to recent figures, 7,445 children in Highland have benefited with the value of payments totally £5,507,570.
Maree Todd MSP adds:
“The Scottish Child payment has been a lifeline for thousands of children and families in my constituency.
“The Scottish Government continues to work tirelessly to tackle child poverty, whilst the Labour party is choosing to endorse damaging Tory policies that work against our efforts.
“Whether it’s denying Scotland’s democracy, ruling out any return to the EU, backing Tory cuts to public sector pay and benefits, attacking migration or signalling greater privatisation of the NHS – the Labour Party has become a pale imitation of the Tories.”
