Scottish Labour MPs have the numbers to stop the UK Government’s deeply controversial Disability Cuts Bill today, but only if they choose to act.
That’s the stark warning from SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn, who says the decision facing Labour’s Scottish MPs is as clear as it is serious.
“This is a test of fairness and a test of values,” he said.
“Scottish Labour MPs now hold the power and have the numbers to stop this bill and stop the Labour Government’s attack on disabled people.”
The vote comes amid growing outrage over Labour’s plans to introduce a two-tier disability system, with analysis warning that disabled people could lose thousands of pounds a year in support.
The Trussell Trust has forecast that new PIP and Universal Credit claimants could be left £8,000 a year worse off.
Disability charity Scope estimates that by the end of the decade, disabled people in the UK will face additional living costs totalling almost £15,000 annually.
Flynn said the bill’s passage now depends directly on how Scottish Labour MPs choose to vote.
“There are 50 Labour MPs already prepared to vote against this legislation,” he said.
“If all 36 remaining Scottish Labour MPs join them, the government would lose the vote.
“That’s the simple truth.”
So far, only one Scottish Labour MP Brian Leishman has publicly confirmed he will oppose the bill.
The rest remain silent, including Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who has yet to say how he will instruct his MPs to vote.
“This is a true test of Anas Sarwar,” Flynn said.
“He can do his usual and ride to the rescue of Keir Starmer or he can choose to stand firm against this two-tier disability system.
“People in Scotland will be watching to see what he does and they won’t forget if he fails to do the right thing.”
The bill remains divisive even within Labour ranks.
Senior figures such as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham continue to call for it to be scrapped.
The legislation proposes a sweeping overhaul of disability support, creating a system that critics say will punish those who become disabled through accident, illness, or over time.
“How can any MP vote for a system that means if you have a child with a disability, or develop a disability yourself, you’ll get less support than those who came before you?” Flynn asked.
The SNP has confirmed it will vote against the bill and continue to oppose it at every stage.
“People in Scotland know that the SNP will strongly oppose these cuts,” Flynn said.
“We will vote against them and work against them at every single parliamentary stage and step.”
Whether Labour’s Scottish MPs will do the same and whether Anas Sarwar will speak up before the vote is now a question of political conviction, not arithmetic.
