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A Tory MSP suggested terminally-ill Scots who don’t die within three years should be re-assessed for benefits.

Lothians MSP Jeremy Balfour’s proposal to change new Scottish social security legislation was branded “truly disgusting” last night.

It’s part of a long list of amendments due to be scrutinised and voted on by MSPs today.

But Balfour was heading for an embarrassing u-turn last night after a part spokesman confirmed he will ask to withdraw his amendment when it is called at today’s committee hearing.

It came as criticism mounted on his suggestion.

(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Labour’s Kezia Dugdale, who represents the same region as Balfour, said it would have a major impact on people living with cancer and conditions such as motor neurone disease.

“This is a disgusting proposal from Jeremy Balfour that confirms just how callous and inhumane the Tories are,” Dugdale said.

“Jeremy Balfour’s brutal measure would single out the terminally-ill, going even further than Theresa May’s cruel government.

“Terminally-ill people deserve support and care – not cruel assessments to check if they are still dying.

“Once again the mask has slipped from the Scottish Tories – they are the same old nasty party. It is now incumbent on Ruth Davidson to confirm if she backs her MSP.”

Current rules allow for fast-track applications to help families cope with illness.

Balfour’s amendment was published on the Scottish Parliament website ahead of stage-two scrutiny of the Social Security Bill in committee at parliament today.

The suggestions concerns welfare eligibility where it depends on someone having a terminal illness.

The amendment adds: “At the end of a period of three years beginning with the day on which the individual applied for such assistance, the individual is still living, the Scottish Ministers must review the individual’s entitlement to assistance.”