SNP MSP WARNS PENSIONERS IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH WILL BEAR THE BRUNT OF LABOUR’S AUSTERITY AGENDA

Kirsty McNeil MP and Chris Murray MP Challenged over planned cuts

Colin Beattie MSP has criticised the new Labour government’s “return to austerity” following the announcement of a cut to the Winter Fuel Payment, challenging Kirsty McNeil MP and Chris Murray MP to stand up for pensioners.
Announcing a fresh round of austerity, Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment will no longer be available to all those over the pension age, reducing the number of people eligible from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
Despite previously boasting that Labour was responsible for introducing the payment, Anas Sarwar is now backing this cut, with his deputy Jackie Baillie saying in 2018 that she would “always fight to ensure this payment is protected.”
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
“Midlothian North and Musselburgh’s pensioners have for too long suffered under Westminster governments that break promises, and that looks set to continue under this Labour government.
“The SNP repeatedly warned of cuts like this, but it is no less disappointing to see Labour enact them as they attempt to stick to Tory fiscal rules.
“The question now is: where do Labour’s priorities really lie?
“Kirsty McNeil and Chris Murray must call on this Westminster government to change tact and reverse their plans for most austerity, or pensioners across my constituency will pay the price of their betrayal.”
ENDS