THE state pension is ‘under attack’ a Glasgow MP has warned, after reports that UK Government ministers are preparing to increase the pension age earlier than previously planned.

It has been reported that plans are being made to increase the age when the pension is paid out from 67 to 68 before the end of the 2030s, at least seven years earlier than stated.

The change was previously planned for 2046, due to increasing life expectancy.

The move would save the Government billions of pounds in pension payments but would see people working or waiting longer before they get the pension.

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Many more people in Glasgow, where life expectancy is lower, would die before they reach pension age.

David Linden, Glasgow East SNP MP, the party’s social justice spokesperson, said it is ”scandalous” and can’t be allowed to go ahead.

Glasgow Times:

He said: “This is just the latest in a long line of attacks from the Tories on the UK's state pension.

"In 2014, the people of Scotland were warned that the only way to protect their pensions was by voting No. 

"Fast forward nine years and the current state pension doesn't support the minimum standard of living, with the state age now set to rise to a staggering 68.

"This is scandalous and must be condemned in the strongest possible way.

"Be in no doubt, for as long as Scotland remains under Westminster control, our pensions will continue to be under threat. 

"Only with the full powers of independence can we protect Scotland's pensions, and build a fairer, more prosperous country."


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It has been estimated that increasing the pension age by one year would be worth £9 billion to the Treasury, by saving £8bn on payments and raising around £1bn in tax on earnings.