Commenting on the attack by five leading bishops on Gordon Brown's government, questioning the morality of Labour policies, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson John Mason MP said the comments reflected wider public concerns about Labour.

Mr Mason said: "The bishops are right to speak out, and their withering attack reflects wider concerns about Labour policies and how they are creating a more unequal society.

"A government that would rather spend billions on a new generation of Trident weapons of mass destruction instead of working to eradicate poverty is one that has lost its moral compass."