Press Release – SNP MSPs challenge Labour over pensions vote no-show
SNP MSPs challenge Labour over pensions vote no-show
SNP MSPs for the South of Scotland Aileen McLeod and Joan McAlpine have
criticised the Labour Party and Labour MP Russell Brown for allowing the
Tory led government’s Public Sector Pension plans to sail through the
House of Commons during its final reading.
Dr McLeod commented:
“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.
“Russell Brown needs to explain to his constituents why his party is all
talk and no action when it comes to public sector pensions. Once again
Labour has abandoned their constituents, following their decision last
year to not oppose the change in the inflation link on pensions from RPI
to CPI by the Tory/Lib-Dem government. He didn’t even show up for the vote.”
Joan McAlpine added:
“These punitive reforms are all about the UK Government’s deficit
reduction plans, and have nothing to do with securing sustainable
pensions. Pensions reform in Scotland should be taken forward by the
Scottish Government 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.
“Instead of uniting against these punitive reforms, Labour sat idle and
let the Tories off the hook whilst betraying public sector workers. They
should be ashamed of themselves. Clearly only the SNP can be trusted
with ensuring the voice of ordinary public sector workers is heard at
Westminster.”
SNP MSPs for the South of Scotland Aileen McLeod and Joan McAlpine have
criticised the Labour Party and Labour MP Russell Brown for allowing the
Tory led government’s Public Sector Pension plans to sail through the
House of Commons during its final reading.
Dr McLeod commented:
“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.
“Russell Brown needs to explain to his constituents why his party is all
talk and no action when it comes to public sector pensions. Once again
Labour has abandoned their constituents, following their decision last
year to not oppose the change in the inflation link on pensions from RPI
to CPI by the Tory/Lib-Dem government. He didn’t even show up for the vote.”
Joan McAlpine added:
“These punitive reforms are all about the UK Government’s deficit
reduction plans, and have nothing to do with securing sustainable
pensions. Pensions reform in Scotland should be taken forward by the
Scottish Government 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.
“Instead of uniting against these punitive reforms, Labour sat idle and
let the Tories off the hook whilst betraying public sector workers. They
should be ashamed of themselves. Clearly only the SNP can be trusted
with ensuring the voice of ordinary public sector workers is heard at
Westminster.”
