ANAS Sarwar insisted that he would “absolutely not” slash disabled Scots’ benefits if he became first minister, despite consistently supporting the UK Government’s proposed welfare cuts.
The Scottish Labour leader claimed it is “factually wrong” to say people will have their benefits “cut” under measures proposed by Keir Starmer’s government, because the overall welfare budget is still set to rise.
Sarwar added that Labour are now in a “much better place on welfare reform than a week ago”, before they scaled back proposals to avoid a defeat in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.
Last week, more than 120 Labour MPs signed a “reasoned amendment” to the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill after it was revealed it would cut around £5 billion per year from disability benefits.
Ministers hope a partial U-turn by Starmer on the plans, which will protect existing claimants of personal independence payments (Pip) and the health element of Universal Credit, will be enough to win over Labour rebels.
However, not all of the changes will directly impact people in Scotland as Pip is being replaced by the Adult Disability Payment.
The Scottish Government has promised not to make similar cuts in Scotland, with the Social Justice Secretary warning that even the Prime Minister’s concessions do not go far enough.
Shirley-Anne Somerville called on Labour to scrap all of their proposals, pointing to the UK Government’s own analysis which shows they could plunge 150,000 people into poverty.
Sarwar has argued that the figure did not take into account other Labour measures to help people get back into work, or economic policies.
Asked if he would cut benefits for disabled people in Scotland if he wins next year’s Holyrood election, he told the PA news agency: “No, absolutely not”.
The Scottish Labour leader insisted his party is “on the same wavelength” and agrees that reforms to the welfare system are needed.
But he said claims that benefits are being cut are not true, as the welfare bill is still set to grow.
“We all accept the principle of reform,” Sarwar said.
He added: “We all accept that we have to prioritise work, and that work is the best route of poverty.
“We all accept that. Those that can work should work.
“We also all accept that those who can’t work should get the support they need, and also accept those that need support to get into work should get that support too.”
Responding to Sarwar's claims SNP MSP Colette Stevenson said the Scottish Labour leader wouldn't stand up for Scotland and would "rubber stamp anything his Westminster bosses tell him to".
She said: "When Keir Starmer proposes cutting support for disabled people, it’s Anas Sarwar who stands by him every step of the way.
"From the Winter Fuel debacle, to failing the WASPI women, to supporting the two-child cap, to backing cuts to disability payments, Labour's record in one short year says it all.
"SNP-run Scotland is the only part of the UK where child poverty is going down rather than up, we're scrapping the two-child cap, and we're protecting disabled people by maintaining the Adult Disability Payment here in Scotland, rather than passing on Labour's proposed cuts in England.
"Anas Sarwar has proven he won't stand up to Starmer - he'll rubber stamp anything his Westminster bosses tell him to."
