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Daily Record
Daily Record
Politics
Chris McCall

SNP minister claims 'Tories don't care, but we do' as party makes scathing attack over benefit cuts

An SNP minister has launched a scathing attack on the UK Government's plan to cut Universal Credit by claiming Tories "simply don't care."

Shona Robison insisted her party in comparison had offered an "unprecedented level of support" to communities during the pandemic.

The Scottish Government's social justice secretary was speaking on the final day of the SNP 's virtual conference.

She used her speech to confirm a new annual £50 Winter Heating Payment will be introduced specifically for low income households currently eligible for Cold Weather Payments.

Robison was also quick to attack Tory ministers at Westminster after one claimed she was “entirely happy” with cutting Universal Credit by £20 a week for over six million claimants.

Shona Robison attacked UK Government plans to cut benefits for the least well off (Daily Record)

Therese Coffey said on Monday people who lose £20 a week from their Universal Credit payments under Tory government cuts could work extra hours to make up for the cut.

In a pre-recorded speech, Robison said: "The tale of two governments is there for people to see.

"Look at their callous attacks on the most vulnerable, the poorest, working families – and compare to the progressive positive polices of the SNP, through our manifesto for a fourth term, and through the SNP Scottish Government’s programme for government.

"It can be summed up simply. They don’t care. We do.

"During the pandemic, we were quick to provide an unprecedented level of support to keep people and communities safe and provided £1 billion for support for food, crisis grants, housing support, third sector, combatting loneliness, and to support our local authorities."

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She continued: "We made sure people were still able access free school meals throughout the holidays. Now we have the commitment of extending free lunches to all primary children, and to introduce breakfast clubs.

"Unlike the Tories we weren’t dragged kicking and screaming to make sure children got that support. Unlike the Tories we didn’t have to be shamed into it by the fantastic campaigning of Marcus Rashford.

"We did this willingly because it’s the right thing to do."

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