Sarwar Stands Firm on Controversial Welfare Cuts Amid Widespread Criticism

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has publicly defended the UK government’s recent welfare cuts, which were announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in an effort to comply with self-imposed debt rules. The £5bn cuts have faced backlash from various groups including charities, Holyrood ministers, and fellow Scottish Labour members, who argue that these measures will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Sarwar believes that while reform is necessary, it must be equitable, pointing to the government’s impact assessment that predicts an increase of 250,000 individuals, including 50,000 children, in relative poverty by 2030 as a consequence of the reforms.

Critics, including the Scottish government, have accused Labour ministers of burdening the lowest-income earners with the fallout from these cuts, leaving them grappling with a significant funding shortfall. Sarwar, however, contended that the assessment did not account for a broader range of initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, such as job support and skill development programs. He acknowledged that all governments should strive to combat poverty effectively.

Amid concerns of a funding gap projected to reach £1.3bn by 2025-26, Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison indicated that the cuts threaten to undermine current welfare spending levels. She expressed determination to safeguard public welfare and avoid exacerbating poverty, especially child poverty. A report from the Fraser of Allander Institute indicated that the forthcoming welfare changes could culminate in a £900m shortfall in the Scottish budget by 2030.

Additional details from Reeves’ announcement include the freezing of health-related universal credit for new claimants until 2030 and stricter eligibility tests for personal independence payments, effective from November 2026. Notably, dissent has emerged from within Scottish Labour ranks, with MP Brain Leishman voicing strong opposition to the proposals and former MSP Neil Findlay resigning from the party over the cuts, alongside criticism from other party members.