A senior Scottish Labour MSP has said she “understands why people are worried” about the plans of the UK Government to implement £6 billion of cuts to support for disabled people – as Anas Sarwar faces a backlash for backing Starmer’s plans.
Scottish Labour has repeatedly failed to oppose UK Government cuts, including the cuts to the winter fuel payment, international aid, compensation for WASPI women and the continuation of the two child benefit cap.
Disability charities are warning these fresh cuts will have a ‘catastrophic’ impact on disabled people in Scotland, with Scope estimating a further 700,000 households could be pushed into poverty without PIP.
Commenting, Fulton MacGregor MSP said:
“It is welcome that there is at least one Labour Party figure in Scotland who recognises the deeply concerning prospect presented by these Tory-esque cuts.
“Be in no doubt, this approach from Keir Starmer is a return to austerity.
“Scotland’s most vulnerable are being forced to pay the price of Labour’s inability to manage the economy and public finances; from the Winter Fuel Payment cut to the maintenance of the two child cap.
“This is completely and utterly wrong, and I urge all Labour MSPs to oppose them – even if Anas Sarwar won’t.
“Time and time again Mr Sarwar has shown he will stand up for Keir Starmer rather than stand up for Scotland.
“The SNP will always stand against any such measures, taking action to tackle poverty through measures like the Scottish Child Payment.
“Monica Lennon has publicly expressed her concern at these callous plans – and privately, many other Labour MSPs will feel the same.
“The question is how long are they willing to put up with Anas Sarwar meekly kowtowing to every one of Keir Starmer’s cuts.”
