Swinney takes aim at Labour's first 100 days in FMQs jibe

First Minister John Swinney has attacked Labour's record in government as the Starmer administration nears 100 days in office.

Swinney said: "In the 100 days we have had the cut to winter fuel payments for pensioners, which nobody expected to come from a Labour government that was prepared to protect the rich and punish the poor. 

"What on earth has the Labour Party been up to in its first 100 days in office?"

Earlier this week the Scottish Parliament backed a motion by Swinney which called for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to U-turn on her decision to end universal entitlement to the winter fuel payment for pensioners.

The benefit will now be linked to pensions credit on both sides of the border after Scottish ministers said a cut to Barnett consequentials meant it would also have to restrict the payment.

Two Labour MSPs - Richard Leonard and Alex Rowley - rebelled against the party whip to vote with the government, while five others did not vote.

Today their colleague Paul O'Kane welcomed the publication of the UK Government's Employment Rights Bill, saying this will "bring about the biggest increase in workers' rights in a generation, ending fire and rehire, banning exploitative zero hours contracts and introducing day one rights".

The SNP's Clare Adamson called for the UK Government to do more for hospitality workers and end the need for the payment of tax on tips earned.

In an apparent reference to the Labour donations row, she said it was a "clear inequity" that HMRC "appears to exempt politicians from paying tax on gifts from donors" while requiring the public to pay tax on gratuities.

Swinney responded: "This parliament cannot effect change on matters such as tips and taxes on gifts. 

"But she makes a very fair and reasonable point, and I am sure it will have been heard by those who take these decisions in the United Kingdom Government, and if they're all interested in fairness, then the call that is made is one that should be acted upon."

During the session, Swinney apologised for delays in the health service and defended the recent decision to release around 500 prisoners early.

Around 50 of those released from jail have since reoffended and returned.

A ministerial statement on the prison population is expected this afternoon.