Broken promises show Labour can't be trusted on devolution

SNP only party offering real change with independence

The SNP has said "the pro-Brexit Labour Party can't be trusted to defend and extend devolution" - after Jonathan Ashworth ruled out any further devolution of benefits.

The Shadow Work and Pensions spokesperson told the Daily Record today "I'm not proposing more devolution of the benefits system" - despite former Labour Party leader Gordon Brown promising, ahead of the 2014 referendum, that Scotland would have maximum devolution by 2016, promising voters “We're going to be, within a year or two, as close to a federal state as you can be".

The move is the latest in a long-line of U-turns and policy blunders which has seen the Labour Party back Brexit and break its pledges on rent controls, tuition fees, free school meals, public sector pay, public ownership of key services, freedom of movement, progressive taxation, electoral reform, reform of the House of Lords, and Scotland's right to choose its own future.

Commenting, SNP Social Justice spokesperson David Linden MP said:

"It's clear the pro-Brexit Labour Party can't be trusted to defend and extend devolution. Keir Starmer has broken so many promises, it's hard to believe a word he says.

"In 2014, the Labour Party promised Scotland would have maximum devolution and near federalism within two years - but they are still breaking their promises almost a decade on.

"The SNP is the only party fighting Scotland's corner and offering real change with independence. It's the only way to escape Westminster control and ensure Scotland has the full powers we need to build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous society.

"The SNP government has led the way with progressive policies like the Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grant, lifting 90,000 children out of poverty. The Tory-lite Labour Party tried to block Scotland getting these powers and now they want to stop further progress.

"People want change but Sunak and Starmer are just offering Brexit, cuts and the same damaging policies that got the UK into this mess. At the next election, voting SNP is the only way to get real change with independence and get rid of unelected Tory governments for good."