Labour MP Brian Leishman has strongly criticised the government’s recent disability benefit reforms, arguing that the party cannot deny the return of austerity while making cuts that will impact the most vulnerable in society. His comments come in response to the announcement by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall that reforms to disability benefits would save £5 billion—a move that has sparked criticism from charities, the Scottish Government, and even members of Labour itself.
Criticism from within labour
Leishman, who represents Alloa and Grangemouth, warned that the cuts would “impoverish” those who are already struggling. Speaking to Holyrood Magazine, he condemned the decision, saying:
“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these cuts are going to impoverish already vulnerable, disadvantaged people living in our society today. These are the people that we should be throwing our arms around and helping.”
The MP further argued that the scale of the reductions undermines Labour’s claim that austerity is over. He added:
“It’s a measurement of any society how the government treats those who are in need, and by cutting that much from the welfare budget, there is no doubt in my mind that we cannot claim there is no austerity under Labour if we are going to cut that much money from welfare.”
Labour’s position on austerity
Leishman’s remarks come as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar faces mounting pressure over past assurances that there would be “no austerity under Labour.” During a televised debate before last year’s election, Sarwar made the now widely quoted statement, which has since been used to challenge Labour’s economic policies.
Defending the government’s stance in Glasgow on Friday, Sarwar maintained that Labour is not implementing austerity, arguing:
“You’re asking about austerity. Austerity means that public spending goes down. Public spending is going up – the very opposite of austerity.”
A Labour spokesperson also sought to reassure the public, stating that those who are unable to work “will always be supported to live with dignity under Labour.” However, the party maintains that it aims to provide more opportunities for those who can work and has urged the Scottish Government to improve employability services and address issues within the NHS.
Grangemouth refinery closure
Beyond welfare reforms, Leishman has been vocal in his criticism of the government’s handling of the impending closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery. The facility’s shutdown, expected to result in 400 job losses, has sparked outrage across the political spectrum. Despite initial Labour promises to intervene and save jobs, Leishman argues that the party has failed to deliver meaningful action.
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Petroineos, the refinery’s owner, announced the closure last year, citing financial difficulties. However, both the UK and Scottish Governments have struggled to prevent the decision from going ahead.
Leishman has put forward an unconventional solution, suggesting that the government should leverage the redevelopment of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium as a bargaining tool. The club is part-owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chairman and chief executive of Ineos, which holds a significant stake in Grangemouth.
According to Leishman, the government should use potential financial support for Old Trafford’s regeneration as leverage to keep the refinery open. He explained:
“When we look at the regeneration needed around Old Trafford, why would we not say you can have that money, but you need to keep Grangemouth open? That’s just negotiation in my opinion.”
The MP revealed that he had raised the issue within the party but found the responses unsatisfactory, stating:
“I have asked those questions of why we haven’t done this, and the answers have been underwhelming.”
Growing political pressure
Leishman’s criticism reflects broader concerns about Labour’s economic direction. The party swept to power last year on promises of change, but recent policy decisions—including the £5 billion welfare cuts—have led some to question whether Labour is truly breaking away from the austerity policies of previous governments.
With opposition mounting from within the party and from external critics, the Labour leadership will likely face further scrutiny over the coming months, particularly regarding its handling of welfare reform and industrial policy.
