CLEGG CONVERTS TO CONSERVATIVES ON BENEFITS

For immediate use: Thursday 16th September 2010


Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


The SNP today warned Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems over their new zeal for
Conservative plans to dramatically slash welfare benefits.


Nick Clegg’s enthusiasm for Tory cuts in an article in today’s Times comes
as the Scottish Local Government Forum Against Poverty revealed research
showing that changes to Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Benefit,
Housing Benefit, Child Benefit and public sector pensions will take £6
million from the economy directly jeopardising 14,000 jobs.


Commenting on an article by Nick Clegg in the Times SNP spokesperson on
work and pensions Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP said;


"Having jumped into bed with the Tories, Nick Clegg has clearly got the
zeal of the convert. The next thing, Mr Clegg will be saying there is no
such thing as society – real Lib Dems will be horrified.


“While reform is necessary, it must be done carefully . Today’s report
shows the changes already announced will have a serious impact on
Scotland’s economy attacking the poorest and most vulnerable in society.


“We have the same old Tories, now helped by the Liberal Democrats, cutting
too far and too fast and leaving the poorest households to bear the brunt
of tax rises, benefit cuts and the loss of public services and jobs.


“We simply must not have cuts for the sake of cuts. Not only would that
risk forcing the truly vulnerable in society into a perilous position, it
also takes vital capital out of the economy without consideration of the
impact.”


ENDS