Natalie Don MSP has welcomed an overwhelming vote by Members of the Scottish Parliament supporting a call on the UK Government’s to cancel its planned £20 cut to Universal Credit next month.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West criticised Tory MSPs, however, for shamelessly voting in favour of the cut which will plunge 60,000 families and 20,000 children in Scotland into poverty, leaving the Conservatives isolated at Holyrood as the only party not to vote to reverse the cut.

Natalie Don MSP condemns the UK Government’s decision to cut the Universal Credit uplift. Photo credit: Ricky Kelly

Natalie Don MSP said: “A strong message has been sent to the Tories at Westminster that the Scottish Parliament rejects its plans to cut Universal Credit from the most vulnerable at a time when they need it most.

“It is shocking, but unsurprising, that Tory MSPs voted in favour of the Universal Credit cut, condemning thousands of families into poverty – the Nasty Party is well and truly back.

“Scottish Tory MSPs have let down thousands by supporting this callous cut to support and by propping up a Tory UK Government that imposes these policies on the people of Scotland.

“Many households in Renfrewshire and across Scotland are facing an incredible squeeze on their incomes this winter as energy bills skyrocket, food bills increase, and thousands face the prospect of having their Universal Credit cut. This will inevitably lead to people having to make the choice between heating their home or feeding their children.

“We cannot trust the Tories to protect the future of the people of Scotland. We need the full powers of independence to build a social security system to support the most vulnerable members of our society at a time when they need it most.”