LABOUR BETRAY PUBLIC SECTOR WORKERS WHILE TORY PENSIONS
BILL SAILS THROUGH PARLIAMENT
SNP Work & Pensions spokesperson and local MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has slammed
the Labour Party for allowing the Tory led government’s Public Sector Pension
plans to sail through the House of Commons during its final reading.
With the UK Government threatening to reduce the Scottish
budget, Labour needs to explain to Scotland’s public sector workers
why they have not opposed these plans. Only last week in the Scottish Parliament,
Labour claimed to have deep concerns over changes to public sector pensions but
their masters south of the border have been found wanting.
Commenting tonight after the vote on the Public
Service Pensions Bill, Dr Whiteford has condemned the coalition’s plans for
public sector pensions without proper consultation, causing great uncertainty
and insecurity amongst Scotland’s
public sector.
Speaking after the vote, Dr Whiteford said:
“These
punitive reforms are all about the UK Government's deficit reduction
plans, and have nothing to do with securing sustainable pensions. The need for
affordable, sustainable and fair public sector pensions is of critical
importance to everyone, which is why the short term cash grab by the UK Government
is so concerning.
“Pensions
reform in Scotland should be
taken forward in partnership with public sector workers rather than being
imposed by the London
Treasury. This bill places new and significant constraints on the Scottish
Government’s ability to deliver a fair agreement which reflects Scottish
circumstances."
Dr Whiteford went on to say:
"The
Bill appears to leave no flexibility for Scottish public servants’ principal
concern which is around scheme Normal Pension Ages being equalised with the
State Pension Age, or age 60 for police officers and fire-fighters. The UK Government continues to have the power to
meddle and influence issues which are central to Scotland’s public sector workers
and which should be for the Scottish Government to decide.
“Instead
of uniting against these punitive reforms, Labour should be ashamed of
themselves for sitting idle and letting the Tories off the hook whilst
betraying public sector workers. The SNP will continue to ensure that the voice
of ordinary public sector workers is heard in the UK Parliament."