A TORY MSP’s claim that the UK Government’s Universal Credit cut is all about getting people back into work was roundly rejected by a minister during a debate this afternoon.

Stephen Kerr, MSP for the Central Scotland region and chief whip for the Scottish Tories, interrupted Shona Robison’s speech on the upcoming welfare cut - which is set to be the largest overnight reduction in modern history.

With the cut to take place next week, members of the Scottish Parliament took the afternoon to debate it and offer the UK Government a “last chance” to make a U-turn.

Robison, the Social Justice Secretary, argued the cut “reflects the UK Government’s uncompassionate approach to welfare” and hit out at the “hammer blow of hardship”.

Ahead of the debate, a spokesperson for the UK Government said Holyrood has some welfare powers and ministers could “top-up existing benefits” if they want.

Despite former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson standing against the cut, the current group at Holyrood have not set out their opposition.

Speaking this afternoon, Kerr rose to his feet to defend the UK Government. “[Robison] talked earlier about the right thing to do,” he said.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon rips up Tory MSP's 'galling' staff shortage fears with Brexit reminder

“I think we can all agree, across all the parties in this Chamber, the right thing to do is help people get off Universal Credit. The best thing we can do for people is help people find work.”

He asked if Robison would welcome the UK Government’s £3.2 billion investment in doubling the number of work coaches.

The minister jumped on Kerr’s work claim. “Doesn’t that just reveal the thinking of the Tories?” she asked the Chamber.

“Not even to recognise that such a huge number of people on Universal Credit are already in work … don’t you even know that? They’re already in work!

“He fails to understand the position, as so many Tories unfortunately fail to understand the position, of what people face on Universal Credit.”

READ MORE: Scotland should be independent as UK is 'f*****', College of Europe professor warns

Universal Credit is claimed by both those who are out of work and those working on a low income.

The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland recently wrote to the Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey, pointing out that of the six million people claiming Universal Credit about a third (2.2m) are already working, while 1.6m are not required to work.

According to the Resolution Foundation, cutting the welfare payment next week could push 730,000 children into poverty and negatively impact debt levels, rent arrears and homelessness.

According to the Financial Times, the UK Government’s own internal modelling shows that cutting Universal Credit could be “catastrophic”, sending homelessness, poverty and food bank usage soaring.

MSPs will vote later today on whether the UK Government should stop its planned cut.