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Fact check: are the SNP’s pensions claims right?

Fraser Bremner - Pool/Getty Images

Ian Blackford has been making the most of current Tory difficulties, railing against the corrosion of public trust on Monday caused by partygate. But is the SNP Westminster leader really best placed to talk? Mr S has already pointed out his party’s own lamentable record on inquiries and civil servants up at Holyrood. And now it seems the nationalists are happy to indulge in outright lies as to the future of Scottish pensioners in a post-Scexit nation.

For speaking to the Scotland’s Choice podcast in December, Blackford was asked what would happen to Scotland’s state pension if the country voted for independence. He replied:

Absolutely nothing. The important point is that those who have contributed to the UK have an entitlement for a pension and indeed that was made clear by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the time of the independence referendum in 2014. So that commitment to continue to pay pensions rests with the UK Government.

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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