BUDGET DEBATE HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR ECONOMIC POWERS

LABOUR FAIL SECOND OPPOSITION TEST


The current budget debate encapsulates the need for Scotland to have real economic and financial powers.


Speaking as Parliament debates the Independent Budget Review SNP MSP and Finance Committee member Linda Fabiani said the debate over what and where to cut showed the need for economic powers for Scotland as she criticised Labour’s woeful response to the budget problems facing Scotland.


While the SNP Government is working hard across the country to hear the views of the public and other parties ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review Labour failed to put forward any proposals, suggestions or even to accept that two thirds of the cuts come from the former Labour Government.


SNP MSP and Finance Committee member Linda Fabiani said:


“Debating only the cuts and not the alternatives that could be open to Scotland shows the problem we face as a result of devolution’s limited powers.


“With economic powers and full independence we would be able to manage and control spending in Scotland’s interests not the interests of London Labour, Tory and Lib Dem Governments.


“Unfortunately the refusal of opposition parties to consider that alternative means we are left delivering budget cuts set by London with no thought for Scotland.


“Protecting Scotland’s services, growing our economy and investing in our future requires better contributions from the Labour party than today’s refusal to accept their responsibilities.


“The call for the Scottish Government, uniquely in the world, to publish a budget before it has been told how much it has to spend becomes more and more farcical every day.


“Unfortunately after failing to put forward any policies to yesterday’s programme for Government, today Labour failed to put forward any sensible suggestions to deal with the budget cuts coming Scotland’s way. With every day Iain Gray and his team show themselves to be unfit for opposition, never mind Government.


“The SNP will work with people and parties across the country to minimise the impact of these cuts on the Scottish public. It would be welcome if other parties could show the same level of concern.”


ENDS