Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Guy Opperman and Wendy Morton

Monday 9th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Guy Opperman]

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question, but if her Government in Scotland disagree with any aspect of the UK Government’s welfare reforms, they have the powers to do something about it. I refer her to the letter of 22 June from Jeane Freeman, my opposite number, which specifically discusses the uses of Scotland Act powers to address individual cases.

[Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con)]

Will the Minister clarify whether, if the law on the state pension age were changed to favour women over men, it would be discriminatory or illegal?

[Guy Opperman]

The reasons for the original changes were the changes in life expectancy and equality law. If the law proposed by Labour were to approach men and women differently, it would—with respect—be highly dubious as a matter of law.