SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn didn’t hold back on BBC Politics Live when he accused Labour of backing a policy that, in his words, “goes after the poorest in society.”
The row erupted during a discussion about the Labour Government’s proposed employment and benefits reforms, which include cuts to welfare spending of £3 billion over five years. The reforms follow a Conservative playbook Flynn argued Labour used to criticise before their own stint in power.
The UK Government’s announcement promised “clear consequences” for people who refuse to engage with job training programmes. But when pressed on exactly what those consequences were, Labour minister Catherine McKinnell initially sidestepped the question, twice. Third time around, she admitted it was the same as always: if you don’t meet requirements, you risk losing your benefits.
Flynn wasn’t having it. “If this was a Conservative press release, Catherine would be outraged,” he said. “She’d be in the Commons demanding action. But instead of tackling the real economic problems—problems caused by austerity, Brexit, and years of Tory mismanagement—they’re targeting people who have the least.”
Flynn suggested an overhaul of the sanctions system, calling for something more compassionate, citing Scotland’s devolved benefits as an example. “In Scotland, we approach social security with compassion. This isn’t compassion—it’s scapegoating. My whole adult life has been spent watching the UK economy fail young people, thanks to austerity and now Brexit. It’s no wonder they’re struggling.”
McKinnell pushed back, saying Labour’s reforms aimed to provide opportunities through job training, adding that young people have suffered deeply under the Conservatives’ economic mismanagement, but Labour was working to turn the tide.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens joined the criticism, with MSP Maggie Chapman accusing Keir Starmer of “morphing into a Tory before our eyes.” She said: “He promised change but instead we’re getting more of the same cruel, punitive policies that have caused so much harm already.”
Flynn’s frustration highlights a growing rift between Labour and its critics, who argue the party is leaning too far into Conservative-style policies. For now, it seems Starmer’s Labour is walking a fine line—and finding little love north of the border.
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