Shona Robison urges Prime Minister to follow Scotland on taxation
Her comments come after Sir Keir Starmer's Government was forced into a last-minute climbdown in order for welfare legislation to pass its first parliamentary hurdle earlier this week.
In a late concession on Tuesday evening, ministers shelved plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), with any changes now only coming after a review of the benefit.
These changes are expected to put pressure on other parts of the Government's finances.
Ms Robison said: 'People voted for a Labour government last year because they wanted change from the Tories – but after a year of attacks on the incomes of pensioners, the poor and the disabled, they are rightly wondering exactly what, if anything, is different.
'When Keir Starmer took office, he could have chosen to ask people on higher incomes to pay a little more in tax in order to protect public spending.
'Choosing instead to target the vulnerable is not leadership – frankly, it is political cowardice.
'If Keir Starmer had done in England what the SNP have done in Scotland with taxation, Labour would not be in the complete fiscal mess that they are in now.
Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to rethink taxation (Lucy North/PA)
'After a year of mistakes, Labour needs a new direction – and they should look to Scotland. By asking people on higher incomes to pay a bit more in tax, we have ensured a majority of taxpayers pay less than they would elsewhere in the UK, and are able to unlock more spending for services like the NHS, as well as cut poverty by introducing a Scottish Child Payment, and ensure that everybody can benefit from important services like free tuition and free prescriptions.'
She added: 'Labour used to tell Scotland that we didn't need independence and we just needed to get rid of the Tory government – but the last year has completely demolished that argument.
'No Westminster government will ever deliver the truly fair society which I believe the vast majority of people in Scotland want to live in – and that is why independence is the best future for Scotland.'
Scottish Labour's economy, business and fair work spokesperson Daniel Johnson MSP said: 'SNP ministers have a brass neck to think they can lecture anyone after their atrocious financial mismanagement.
'The SNP use higher taxes on Scottish nurses and firefighters as a substitute for economic growth, waste billions on out-of-control prison and ferry projects, and have created multibillion-pound black holes in the public finances.
'Labour is delivering the largest funding settlement in the history of devolution, with £50 billion for Scotland's NHS, schools and public services this year alone. Despite that, the SNP are now gearing up to make cuts to fill their fiscal black hole.
'The SNP government has the money, they have the powers, but they are out of ideas, out of excuses and out of time.
'Next year, we have the chance to kick out this SNP Government that cannot be trusted with taxpayers' money.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
King and Prime Minister lead nation remembering horror of July 7 bombings
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said 'those who tried to divide us failed' adding 'we stood together then, and we stand together now'. On July 7 2005, four suicide bombers struck the capital's transport network, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 on three London Underground trains and a bus. Composite of handout photographs of some of the victims of the London terrorist attacks on July 7 2005, top row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Helen Jones, 28; Ciaran Cassidy, 22; Gamze Gunoral, 24; Christian Small; Karolina Gluck. Second row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Couple Lee Harris, 30, and Samatha Badham, 36; Atique Sharifi, 24; Elizabeth Daplyn, 20; Adrian Johnson, 37; Monika Suchocka, 23. Third row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Susan Levy, 53; James Mayes, 28; James Adams; Rachelle Yuen; Ihab Slimane,19. Fourth row from left, victims of the Tavistock Square bomb: Shyanuja Parathasangary; Giles Hart; Anthony Fatayi-Williams; Marie Hartley; Miriam Hyman. Fifth row from left: victims of the Tavistock Square bomb Jamie Gordon and Neetu Jain; victims of the Aldgate bomb Richard Gray, Benedetta Ciaccia and Richard Ellery. Bottom row from left: Aldgate bomb victim Fiona Stevenson; Edgware Road bomb victims David Foulkes, Jonathan Downey, Laura Webb and Jennifer Nicholson (PA) The King has asked for the country to reaffirm its commitment to building a society of all faiths and backgrounds, standing against those who seek to divide us. He said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day. 'We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. The scene in Tavistock Square, central London, after the attack on a double decker bus (PA) 'We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass. 'In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. 'The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.' Other members of the royal family are to join services and memorials to mark the anniversary. The Prince of Wales carries a wreath during a service at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park (PA) On behalf of the King, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the National Service of Commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral from 11.30am on Monday. The King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. Flowers left by the July 7 memorial plaque at Aldgate Station, London (PA) He said: 'While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. 'It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. 'As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.' Sir Keir said: 'Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever. 'We honour the courage shown that day— the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror. 'Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now— against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Twenty years have passed since 7/7 but the passage of time makes what happened that day no less shocking. It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself. 'As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them. Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another. Their courage continues to inspire us. 'We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Disability claims 'set to soar by more than a million' before the next election after Labour's U-turn... as Tories warn it could lead to the collapse of the entire benefit system
The number of people claiming disability benefits is set to jump by more than a million before the next election following Labour 's welfare climb-down. An official forecast published alongside the Government's benefits bill reveals that ministers believe the number of claims will soar by 40 per cent in the next four years. It suggests the rise could even lead to the collapse of the benefits system, warning there is a real 'risk the welfare state won't be there for people who need it in future' unless spending is brought under control. The warning came as Kemi Badenoch called for a major clampdown on welfare spending. Sir Keir Starmer was forced to abandon plans to trim the benefits bill by £5billion last week following a revolt by Labour MPs. Proposals to tighten the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will no longer take place. But the forecast suggests that without reform, the number of PIP claimants will jump from 3million to 4.2million by 2029. The cost of PIP payments is predicted to rise from £21.8billion to £34.1billion, while the overall bill for sickness and disability benefits will top £100billion. Tory work and pensions spokesman Helen Whately said: 'The shocking cost of Labour's screeching U-turn on welfare is once again on full display. 'The Government's own impact assessment says that without any action the cost of PIP to the public finances will reach over £34billion by the end of this decade – and now, after Keir Starmer's total surrender to his own party, this increase is baked in.' Yesterday Mrs Badenoch said recent events showed that Labour was 'not serious' about tackling the bloated benefits bill. The Tory leader called for an immediate return to face-to-face assessments for new PIP claims, reversing the online system. And she said that 'low level' mental health issues such as anxiety should not be automatically treated as 'severe conditions' which qualify people for sickness benefits. Mrs Badenoch will use a speech this week to float the idea of halting disability benefits for foreign nationals. Figures show that claims by households with at least one foreign national are running at nearly £1billion a month. Rebel Labour MPs are now plotting to force further concessions this week by removing plans to cut £2billion from Universal Credit (UC) payments. Disabled people and their supporters gather outside the Houses of Parliament for a protest against cuts to welfare benefits as MPs debate and vote today on the government's Welfare Reform Bill at its second reading in London, United Kingdom on July 01, 2025 Richard Burgon said planned changes to UC's health element payment would result in 750,000 vulnerable people losing £3,000 a year. He said: 'We should not balance the books on the backs of sick and disabled people.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves hinted last week that the welfare U-turn would force her to hike taxes again in the autumn, saying there would be 'a cost'. This weekend Sir Keir said it was still 'important we review the system', pointing to a review of PIP which is being led by welfare minister Sir Stephen Timms. But Sir Stephen has said the review will be 'co-produced' with disability campaigners, who bitterly opposed the Government's efforts to cut the benefits bill.
Western Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
King and Prime Minister lead nation remembering horror of July 7 bombings
In a message to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Charles said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' in London and the country more broadly, which has allowed the nation to heal. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said 'those who tried to divide us failed' adding 'we stood together then, and we stand together now'. On July 7 2005, four suicide bombers struck the capital's transport network, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 on three London Underground trains and a bus. Composite of handout photographs of some of the victims of the London terrorist attacks on July 7 2005, top row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Helen Jones, 28; Ciaran Cassidy, 22; Gamze Gunoral, 24; Christian Small; Karolina Gluck. Second row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Couple Lee Harris, 30, and Samatha Badham, 36; Atique Sharifi, 24; Elizabeth Daplyn, 20; Adrian Johnson, 37; Monika Suchocka, 23. Third row from left, victims of the Russell Square bomb: Susan Levy, 53; James Mayes, 28; James Adams; Rachelle Yuen; Ihab Slimane,19. Fourth row from left, victims of the Tavistock Square bomb: Shyanuja Parathasangary; Giles Hart; Anthony Fatayi-Williams; Marie Hartley; Miriam Hyman. Fifth row from left: victims of the Tavistock Square bomb Jamie Gordon and Neetu Jain; victims of the Aldgate bomb Richard Gray, Benedetta Ciaccia and Richard Ellery. Bottom row from left: Aldgate bomb victim Fiona Stevenson; Edgware Road bomb victims David Foulkes, Jonathan Downey, Laura Webb and Jennifer Nicholson (PA) The King has asked for the country to reaffirm its commitment to building a society of all faiths and backgrounds, standing against those who seek to divide us. He said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day. 'We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. The scene in Tavistock Square, central London, after the attack on a double decker bus (PA) 'We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass. 'In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. 'The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.' Other members of the royal family are to join services and memorials to mark the anniversary. The Prince of Wales carries a wreath during a service at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park (PA) On behalf of the King, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the National Service of Commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral from 11.30am on Monday. The King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. Flowers left by the July 7 memorial plaque at Aldgate Station, London (PA) He said: 'While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. 'It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. 'As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.' Sir Keir said: 'Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever. 'We honour the courage shown that day— the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror. 'Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now— against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Twenty years have passed since 7/7 but the passage of time makes what happened that day no less shocking. It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself. 'As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them. Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another. Their courage continues to inspire us. 'We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life.'
