CUTS to Employment Support Allowance are attacking cancer patients and should be reversed, according to a local politician. 

Mid Scotland & Fife MSP Alex Rowley has urged the Scottish Government to take action against the “shameful” measures, which affect sufferers of the disease across Scotland.

Highlighting a report from Macmillan Cancer Support, Mr Rowley said: “Let me be clear: these are cruel Tory cuts that make a mockery of the claim made by Theresa May and, indeed, Ruth Davidson that the Tories want to build a country that works for everyone.

“Labour will fight these cuts at Westminster, but can we protect people now? Reversing cuts for those who are living with cancer will cost £400,000, while reversing them for everyone affected will cost £14 million next year.

“£400,000 from a government budget of over £30billion is not a lot to stop the Tory attack on cancer patients but for those people and their families it will mean a lot.

“Where this parliament can work together, it should do so in the interests of the people of Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, defended the steps taken by Prime Minister Theresa May and has insisted it is a move to use money more efficiently. 

He said: “These changes will only affect those making new claims. Anyone who made a claim before April will continue to receive the same level of support.

“Those in the Work Related Activity Group currently receive additional cash payments but little employment support appropriate for their needs. 

“The changes involve recycling some of the money currently spent on cash payments – which are not actually achieving the desired effect of helping people move closer to the labour market – into practical support that will make a genuine difference to individuals’ life chances.”

However, Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire & Dunblane, believes the measures taken by the UK Government are a sign of further damaging cuts to come.

He said: “First Minster Nicola Sturgeon made it clear during First Minister’s Questions last week that we will look closely at this proposal from Macmillan Cancer Support when considering the draft budget which is due in December.”

He added: “I would also point out that Employment Support Allowance is not one of the benefits being devolved to Scotland and is being merged into the catastrophe which is Universal Credit. 

“I hope that Mr Rowley will join with me and the SNP in calling on the complete devolution of all welfare powers, responsibilities and budgets to this parliament.”