Sarwar turning up heat on Starmer

He promises to reverse PM's controversial cut and reinstate energy payment for the elderly

- PAUL HUTCHEON and CHRIS MCCALL

ANAS Sarwar has turned up the heat on Keir Starmer by promising to reverse his swingeing cut to Winter Fuel Payments for the elderly.

The Scots Labour leader said he will dump his own UK Government's policy as older Scots struggle with freezing temperatures.

The SNP hit back, accusing Labour of "double-think" over the fuel payment cut.

Sarwar has been under huge pressure over Chancellor Rachel Reeves' decision to strip the WFP, worth up to £300, from around 900,000 Scots.

Critics say her plan to limit the payment to people on Pension Credit is too restrictive.

Campaigners have warned the elderly could die of hypothermia as the cut is coming at the same time energy bills rise.

Sarwar has defied UK Labour to declare he will scrap the cut, reinstating a universal payment if he becomes First Minister.

Part of the cash sum would then be clawed back from the wealthiest pensioners.

Addressing reporters, Sarwar was asked why the UK Government could not reverse the cut as he is proposing. He replied: "I've been clear from the outset that pension credit is a threshold that is too low.

"I recognise the Chancellor had to make difficult decisions.

"But we also have an opportunity to make a Scottish solution to a Scottish issue.

That's what we're proposing.