Scottish Government: Social Security Benefits

Lord Shinkwin Excerpts

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Forsyth of Drumlean)]

My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Shinkwin, is taking part remotely. I invite him to speak.

[Lord Shinkwin (Con) [V]]

My Lords, in the event of our being at war, which some experts suggest is increasingly likely by 2030, the massive and urgent recalibration of resources to defence will inevitably mean that those who need most support due to their disability will be hit the hardest. What advice are His Majesty’s Government giving to the Scottish Government on the careful management of their social security budget so that they can mitigate the worst effects of such an eventuality on those whose disability makes them most dependent?

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I am grateful to the noble Lord for his question but I do not agree with the assumption underlying it. Of course we must spend more on defence, but we must also continue to support those who need that support the most. As I said in answer to the first Question, spending on benefits is a choice for the Scottish Government and must come from within their own budget.