Scottish Budget - Only With Independence and Bold Government Can We Transform Scotland

SWINNEY HOISTS THE WHITE FLAG IN SURRENDER OVER INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

BUDGET FAILS KEY TESTS ON SKY ROCKETING ENERGY COSTS AND CHILD POVERTY

WHILE NORTH EAST AND HIGHLANDS LET DOWN AGAIN OVER THE FAILURE TO FUND IN FULL THE DUALLING OF THE A9

“The decision to reallocate the funding on Independence referendum preparations shows that the Scottish Government are not serious about delivering Independence.

“Swinney has not just abandoned holding an Independence referendum but the opportunity of forcing the UK to concede one. He has hoisted the white flag not the red one. The Scottish Government has surrendered to the UK Government a day after the SNP Westminster Group was demanding that they be given the power to hold one.

“This Budget shows a Finance Secretary tinkering at the edges. It is now beyond any doubt that only with the powers of Independence and bold action from government can we truly transform Scotland.”

This was said by ALBA Westminster Group Leader Neale Hanvey MP responding to the Scottish Budget 2023-24 announced today (Thursday). Mr Hanvey continued:

“This Budget falls far short of providing the funds needed to support families facing skyrocketing energy costs. There is much more that could have been done to address the humanitarian and cost of living crisis facing every household in the land, as set out in the ALBA five point plan for tackling child and family poverty.

“The failure to increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 means the Government will continue to struggle to meet its own child poverty reduction targets.

“The Finance Secretary has failed to utilise the full extent of the income tax powers available to create new bands within the higher rates. He is hurting middle income households such as nurses and teachers but ducking the challenge of creating a new tax band for those on £70,000 and over.

“The apparent refusal to fund in full the dualling of the A9 and A96 demonstrates that the people, businesses and communities of the North East of Scotland and the Highlands are continuing to pay a heavy and unacceptable price for the deal with the Greens.”

Commenting, ALBA Party Leader Alex Salmond said: 

"In conceding to the Tories that there will be no referendum next year, one day after the SNP Westminster Group demanded one, John Swinney has hoist the white flag when the people were looking for a lion rampant”