Scottish Labour leader defends welfare spending increase

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has rejected claims that the party's proposed changes to the welfare system will lead to cuts. Sarwar insists that, despite a £5 billion reduction in certain benefits, overall welfare spending will still increase. The UK Government's plans, announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, will mainly affect those unable to work due to disability or health issues. It is estimated that about one million people might lose their disability benefits as a result of these changes. During a press conference at Holyrood, Sarwar argued that the focus should be on getting more people into work. He criticized the Scottish Government for what he called an “inefficient” benefits system that has wasted millions. Sarwar stated that the current welfare spending across the UK is £50 billion, which is expected to rise to £64 billion with the new proposals. However, he acknowledged that there will be reassessments, leading to different impacts in different areas. Criticism of the welfare changes has been voiced by disability and poverty charities, as well as political figures. Carol Mochan from Scottish Labour stated that austerity is not a viable strategy for growth and shouldn't come at the expense of those relying on benefits. First Minister John Swinney accused Sarwar of breaking campaign promises by supporting these welfare changes. He claimed that this is a return to austerity, which would harm vulnerable citizens. In response, Dame Jackie Baillie, deputy leader of Scottish Labour, dismissed Swinney's comments as unfounded scare tactics.