THE SNP urged Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to apologise for his party’s “betrayal” of Waspi women at a Scottish parliamentary debate last night.

Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) has long-campaigned for women affected by failures in the government’s communications of increases to their pension age to be provided with compensation.

Last month, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told the Commons a targeted compensation programme would not be “practical” and a wider, flat-rate scheme could cost up to £10.3 billion.

Mr Sarwar had previously backed the Waspi campaign, including in a series of photo opportunities and now deleted tweets.

Today SNP MSP Bill Kidd hosted a debate in the Scottish Parliament over the Westminster’s government’s decision which began as the Morning Star went to press.

He said: “It’s time Anas Sarwar showed some substance, came to the Scottish Parliament chamber and apologised to the Scottish Waspi women he so badly let down — a no-show today will cement his betrayal.

“Every single senior member of the Labour Party had no hesitation in backing the Waspi campaign, tweeting support and joining photo opportunities, just to turn their back on the women as soon as they got a whiff of power.

“The SNP has secured a debate tonight and it’s time Anas Sarwar owned his actions and those of the people he backed to the hilt -  but the reality is the Scottish public won’t be holding their breath with his appalling judgement having been exposed time and again.

“Westminster is not working for Scotland and only through a fresh start with independence can we ensure a fairer future for people across Scotland, free of Westminster chaos.”

Scottish Labour was contacted for comment.