Critics condemn SNP plans to block rise in Scotland state pension age

Party leader Nicola Sturgeon argued that raising the pension age would affect Scotland disproportionately given its life expectancy continues to lag behind the rest of the UK and Europe. The state pension age is due to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028 under the UK government's plans, and will be linked to life expectancy thereafter. The first minister announced the SNP's policies for pensioners on 6 April including the retention of the triple lock to ensure the state pension rises in line with inflation, or with wages by 2.5%, whichever is higher. The party also wants to keep a sin...