UNION CHIEF BACKS ECONOMIC POWERS FOR HOLYROOD

For immediate use: Thursday 9th September 2010


Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


Former Trade Union Chief Campbell Christie today called for more powers
for the Scottish Parliament as the means to deal with the financial
challenges we face.


In an article for the Daily Record Mr Christie made clear that neither the
current Barnett Formula nor the Calman Commission proposals are fit for
purpose.


Writing in the Daily Record Mr Christie said:


“The archaic Barnett formula currently used means the Treasury in London
hand Edinburgh a block of money each year. But that is set to shrink by
billions. All the Scottish parliament can decide is how to dole out the
cuts and the misery.


As matters stand, Scotland's government have no power to follow an
alternative economic strategy by implementing growth oriented economic
policies.


Higher growth will create jobs and generate more tax revenues to protect
frontline public services, as well as repaying the high level of debt.
To achieve this, Scotland's government need greater economic powers. But
the Calman legislation does not meet this need.


I firmly believe a Scottish government equipped to vary all taxes -
including corporation tax and national insurance - would be able to tackle
the serious difficulties we face.


I do not want a tax regime to be imposed on Scotland that is utterly
unfair and inadequate to meet the challenges we face.


I hope Scotland's politicians will join me in opposing these unfair
proposals.”


Welcoming Mr Christie’s comments SNP MSP for Central Fife Tricia Marwick
said:


“It is undeniable that the debate over Scotland’s future budget is tied to
the debate over powers of Scotland’s parliament and Scotland’s ability to
deliver growth.


“Campbell Christie is one of an increasing number of people across society
who recognise that the current devolution settlement is not fit for the
challenges Scotland now faces.


It is only with full economic and financial powers and Independence, not
the disastrous Calman plans of the opposition parties, that we will be
able to build the Scottish economy and protect the public services we
need.”


ENDS