The SNP has challenged Anas Sarwar to “come out of hiding and order Scottish Labour MPs to oppose the Labour government’s shameful cuts to disabled people” – after five Scottish Labour MPs signed a letter supporting the cuts to thousands of disabled people across Scotland.
The Labour MPs, including Blair McDougall, Gregor Poynton, Joani Reid, Graeme Downie and Frank McNally, backed the £6billion of Labour government cuts to the incomes of disabled people in Scotland on the same day that dozens of disability and poverty charities wrote to the Chancellor warning of the ‘catastrophic’ impact the cuts would have.
The letter from the charities, including Disability Rights UK, Scope, Mencap, Mind, Citizens Advice and more, warns “making cuts to disability benefits would have a catastrophic impact on disabled people up and down the country.
Scope’s analysis of government figures shows that without PIP, a further 700,000 more disabled households could be pushed into poverty.
Life costs more for disabled people.
Huge numbers already live in poverty as a result of these extra costs.
The impact of any cuts to disability benefits would be devastating.”
Commenting, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Kirsty Blackman MP said:
“It’s clear the Labour Party lied to voters when it promised it wouldn’t impose austerity cuts – and as a result of these appalling cuts people with extreme disabilities will be pushed into poverty.
“The Labour government is, yet again, punching down on the poorest just as it did with the cuts to the winter fuel payment, international aid, and the two child benefit cap.
“It is staggering that right-wing Scottish Labour MPs are cheering on these cuts, which will hit their own constituents and thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable people in Scotland, on the same day that disability charities are warning about the catastrophic impact.
“Anas Sarwar must come out of hiding and order Scottish Labour MPs to oppose the Labour government’s shameful cuts to disabled people.
“He personally promised voters there would be no cuts but, yet again, his promises have turned to dust and he’s nowhere to be seen.
“The SNP will stand up for disabled people and oppose these appalling Labour Party cuts every step of the way.
“If Anas Sarwar had an ounce of integrity or shame, he would do the same.”
