Anas Sarwar has failed another key test as his Labour MPs rubber-stamped Westminster’s damaging cuts to the incomes of around 860,000 Scottish pensioners – following a vote in the House of Commons on the Labour government’s cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.
SNP MPs voted against the cuts, which will slash Scotland’s budget by more than £100million and hit around 860,000 pensioners in Scotland to the tune of £500 a year per household – and £2,500 by the next UK general election.
However, the cuts were passed by 348 to 228 after Labour MPs in Scotland voted in favour.
It means thousands of pensioners on a low or modest income including those reliant on the state pension, will lose out
Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn MP said:
“Anas Sarwar has failed another key test as his Labour MPs rubber-stamped damaging cuts to the incomes of around 860,000 Scottish pensioners
“Voters in Scotland were promised ‘change’ but instead the Labour Party is wielding the austerity axe and cutting billions of pounds from public services and household incomes.
“SNP MPs voted against these cuts, which will see the majority of pensioners lose £500 a year in winter fuel payments and cut more than £100million from Scotland’s budget.
“It’s shameful that Labour MPs have broken their promise to voters and imposed these cuts – showing they can’t be trusted to stand up for Scotland’s interests.
“During the election Anas Sarwar pledged ‘Read my lips: no austerity under Labour’ but his words have turned out to be worthless.
“In contrast, the SNP will continue to press the UK government to reverse these draconian cuts, support pensioners and deliver the investment boost our public services need.”
