SNP’S Black condemns Lib Dems over poverty

Party accused of signing up to ‘years of austerity cuts’ while in coalition with the Conservatives

The SNP’S Mhairi Black will ramp up the rhetoric in North East Fife having accused the Liberal Democrats of plunging millions of children into poverty.

Ahead of a visit to St Andrews, the UK’S youngest-ever MP has criticised the party for signing up to austerity cuts when they were in coalition with the Conservatives.

She has said they cannot be trusted after a damning new report revealed child poverty would reach a “record high” under the Tories’ manifesto plans.

The Resolution Foundation stated the

Tories’ proposals “make no changes” to existing policy and, as a result, child poverty “risks reaching a 60-year high of 34%”.

Despite St Andrews’ reputation for being an affluent area, figures suggest 27% of children there live in poverty.

Ms Black was speaking before a visit today to the North East Fife Community

Hub with local SNP candidate Stephen Gethins.

She said: “The Lib Dems signed up to years of austerity cuts which are keeping people in poverty.

“They voted for the ‘bedroom tax’, and against raising social security under the coalition government – they simply can’t be trusted.

“People in Scotland will not forget or forgive the Lib Dems for their pact with the Tories.”

Jill Anderson, community hub project co-ordinator, said: “It is very difficult for many people living here among so many high achievers and wealthy residents and visitors.

“It is very worrying that 27% of children in St Andrews are living in poverty, the highest in North East Fife, and we see every day how people are getting more and more dependent on foodbanks and charities like ours.”

Mr Gethins is seeking re-election for North East Fife after winning the seat by just two votes in 2017.

Mhairi Black.