Tory Leader Challenged Over Misleading Welfare Claims

SNP Say they will base social security system on dignity and respect

The Scottish National Party will maintain support for disabled people and stand firm against any further cuts to disability support by the UK Government, Alex Neil said today, as the Tory leader Ruth Davidson faces increasing pressure over her position on UK Government attempts to slash £4bn from support for disabled people.

Under questioning last night, the Tory leader refused to oppose the cuts, or to criticise the UK Government for offering tax cuts for the rich funded by cuts to disabled people.

Ms Davidson also claimed that she had opposed the cuts to PIP previously. However, when the Budget was published last Wednesday, Ms Davidson released three separate statements welcoming various Budget announcements – including the tax cut for higher earners - but made no mention of PIP cuts.

Nor were they mentioned in her statement welcoming the appointment of Stephen Crabb, instead the best she could do was to ask for a change in tone - not policy.

During last night’s debate, Ms Davidson also said she had “absolutely not” lost confidence in George Osborne – despite repeated attempts in successive Budgets from the Chancellor to cut support from the least well-off in society.

Meanwhile, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon made clear that the SNP will use new welfare powers in Scotland to build a Scottish social security system built on dignity and respect - particularly for disabled people. The SNP's priorities in the next parliament will be to establish a new Scottish Social Security Agency, increase support for carers, establish a new maternity and early years grant and abolish the bedroom tax.

Commenting, Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil said:

“Ruth Davidson showed how out of touch the Tories are with her refusal to speak out against the cuts in the first debate of the campaign.

"Ruth Davidson may still have full confidence in George Osborne, but I doubt many other people in Scotland do – and certainly not the 40,000 disabled Scots whose Personal Independence Payments he disgracefully tried to cut last week.

“The Tories cannot wriggle off this hook. Ruth Davidson refused to speak up against the cuts when they were announced, she has failed to speak up against the cuts to DLA  - and now she is failing to support those with disabilities.

"It's not a change of tone the Tories need, it's a complete change of policy.

“The Scottish Parliament will not have power over disability benefits until 2018.  Between now and then the SNP will stand firm in the face of UK efforts to cut spending on the disabled and we will treat everyone in Scotland, especially those who most need support, with dignity and respect.

“Experiences over the last few years have shown us how important it is to have a government and First Minister in Scotland who are willing to stand up to Tory cuts – and if re-elected the SNP will continue to be that strong voice for Scotland.”