Anas Sarwar says Scottish Labour will take ‘different approach’ to Keir Starmer on ‘whole host of issues’

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has declared that the party will adopt a distinct approach from the UK Labour Party on a range of issues, laying out his stance on potential policy differences. Sarwar’s statement comes following his announcement that Scottish Labour would reverse the UK Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, should he become First Minister after the 2026 Holyrood elections.

The proposed change to means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment, as implemented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has faced criticism from various political parties, with Sarwar aiming to garner support by advocating for the restoration of universal payments in Scotland. While the responsibility for the benefit was set to be devolved to the Scottish Government, delays ensued due to the UK Government’s decision to means-test the payment.

In response to inquiries about Scottish Labour’s divergence from the UK party’s stance ahead of the upcoming election, Sarwar emphasised the importance of tailoring policies to the specific needs of Scotland. He highlighted previous differences in approaches concerning trade unions and policy areas within the scope of devolution, stressing the significance of utilizing Scottish resources and talent to develop tailored solutions.

Addressing concerns about the timing of the Winter Fuel Payment announcement in relation to the election, Sarwar turned the scrutiny towards the SNP’s electoral performance, citing Labour’s increasing support across communities in the country. He underscored the necessity of finding Scottish-led solutions to pertinent issues, advocating for an alternative approach to benefit thresholds.

Sarwar detailed the proposed policy change, outlining a phased system where all pensioners would initially receive the payment, with adjustments based on recipients’ income over time. He highlighted the Scottish Government’s access to additional resources for household support and criticised the SNP’s decision to return power over the benefit to the Department for Work and Pensions.

In conclusion, Sarwar affirmed, “A Scottish Labour government will reinstate the winter fuel payment for pensioners in Scotland, emphasising the party’s commitment to addressing key issues uniquely in the Scottish context. The announcement underscores Scottish Labour’s autonomy in policy-making and its focus on implementing solutions tailored to Scotland’s specific needs.”

**Insights and Summary:**

Anas Sarwar’s assertion of Scottish Labour’s independence from the UK Labour Party on key policy matters signals a strategic positioning ahead of the upcoming elections. By outlining a distinct approach to issues such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Sarwar aims to resonate with Scottish voters by advocating for tailored solutions to address local challenges. This move underscores the importance of devolved powers and the party’s commitment to leveraging Scottish resources for the benefit of the country. The proposed reinstatement of universal Winter Fuel Payments in Scotland not only reflects a policy shift but also serves as a strategic step towards differentiating Scottish Labour in the political landscape.