SNP Manifesto Sets Out Support For Disabled People
SNP MANIFESTO SETS OUT SUPPORT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
‘CRUEL AND SHAMEFUL’ TORY AGENDA REJECTED
The SNP Manifesto has outlined the party’s commitment to protecting disabled people from Tory cuts and their damaging austerity agenda, calling for a review of the Personal Independence Payment system and demanding a reversal of the cuts to Employment Support Allowance.
The SNP Government has made increased support for disabled people by rejecting the means-testing of disability benefits and establishing a Disability Benefits Assessment Commission to provide recommendations and guidance on benefit eligibility. This is in stark contrast with the Tory approach, which stigmatises disabled people and removed motability vehicles from thousands of vulnerable people.
The SNP has demanded that the UK Government to fully implement the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Commenting, Patricia Gibson said:
“The Tory Government’s treatment of disabled people over the last few years has been shameful. Rather than provide the support people need, they have sought to stigmatise some very vulnerable people just to save money.
“The Tories cannot hide from their record. Yet while they cut benefits such as Employment Support Allowance and take away people’s motability vehicles – vital lifelines for many people with physical disabilities – the SNP has always worked hard to protect the most vulnerable.
"The SNP Government at Holyrood is committed to using new powers being devolved to build a social security system based on the principles of fairness, dignity and respect.
“At Westminster, SNP MPs will continue to stand up for the rights of disabled people against a disgraceful Tory onslaught by opposing their austerity agenda and demanding a review of the Personal Independence Payment scheme. We’ll also work to ensure more employers have equal pay audits and demand the UK government implements the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“Now more than ever, it is vital to have strong SNP voices standing up for Scotland. Only then can we protect vulnerable people from the cruel and shameful Tory austerity agenda.”
The SNP Manifesto is at: https://www.snp.org/manifesto
