SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson has challenged Theresa May as she visits Scotland, calling on the Prime Minister to ensure senior citizens get the pensions they deserve.
A ‘triple lock’ would ensure the value of the state pension rises in line with inflation so older people are not left out of pocket.
Pension inequality and unfairness is also a massive issue for two and a half million women in the UK who are affected by the decision to equalise the state pension age by 2020.
Tory Pensions Secretary Damian Green wrongly claimed on Question Time on Thursday that the Scottish Parliament could use new social security powers to introduce a new benefit for WASPI women in Scotland, despite the legislation on powers for the Scottish parliament explicitly preventing the provision of pension benefits. Neither can the Scottish Parliament top-up the pension for WASPI women because the UK government has made the WASPI women ineligible for any pension payments.
Angus Robertson MP said:
"When Theresa May comes to Scotland, she needs to tell pensioners they will get what is rightfully theirs.
“The only reason to not guarantee the pensions triple lock is to spend less on pensions. The public and senior citizens are right to fear a pensions bombshell by the Tories.
“Too many women already face pensions inequality, and despite many campaigning across the country for what is rightfully theirs, Theresa May is refusing to listen.
“Theresa May's Pensions Secretary tried to mislead the public and shamefully tried lay blame with the Scottish Parliament.
"In Scotland the election is a straight fight between the SNP and the Tories, and there can be only one winner in that battle.
"A vote for the SNP keeps the Tories in check, strengthens Scotland's hand at Westminster and stops Scotland's voice from being silenced.
"But one of the many questions Theresa May will try and dodge on her flying visit north is this - is she gearing up to short-change older people across the country by scrapping the 'triple lock' on pensions?"
“The only reason to not guarantee the pensions triple lock is to spend less on pensions. The public and senior citizens are right to fear a pensions bombshell by the Tories.
“Too many women already face pensions inequality, and despite many campaigning across the country for what is rightfully theirs, Theresa May is refusing to listen.
“Theresa May's Pensions Secretary tried to mislead the public and shamefully tried lay blame with the Scottish Parliament.
"In Scotland the election is a straight fight between the SNP and the Tories, and there can be only one winner in that battle.
"A vote for the SNP keeps the Tories in check, strengthens Scotland's hand at Westminster and stops Scotland's voice from being silenced.
"But one of the many questions Theresa May will try and dodge on her flying visit north is this - is she gearing up to short-change older people across the country by scrapping the 'triple lock' on pensions?"
