We’ll block pension age rise as Scots die younger, says Sturgeon

The SNP would use its power in the next parliament to oppose any attempt to increase the state pension age, arguing that this disadvantaged Scots
Nicola Sturgeon said a future Westminster government might have to exempt Scotland from the changes
Nicola Sturgeon said a future Westminster government might have to exempt Scotland from the changes
RUSSELL CHEYNE/REUTERS

The Scottish National party would use its power in the next parliament to oppose any attempt to increase the state pension age, arguing that this disadvantaged Scots, who have a lower life expectancy than the English.

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, said the disparity meant that Scots would “lose out” under the plans agreed by the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

The state pension age is set to increase to 66 between November 2018 and October 2020, and 67 between 2034 and 2036. Further legislation is needed to raise it to 68 and beyond.

Scots have the lowest life expectancies at birth in the UK. Men can expect to live to 76.8 years, 2.1 years below the national average, while for women the