Ben Macpherson MSP: UK Government’s unjust budget fails to address Scotland’s needs

  The local MSP has criticised the UK Government for a Budget that will continue to hit many of his most vulnerable constituents very hard. After promising to “end austerity”, the UK Government has announced a block grant for Scotland that will be almost £2 billion lower in real terms than it was in 2010.

The UK Government have also stated their intention to continue with the disastrous roll-out of Universal Credit, putting more families at risk over the winter months. This stands in stark contrast to Tory tax cuts which are set to benefit the richest 10% of the UK population.

“It is predicted that people in Scotland will be £1,600 worse off thanks to the Tories’ mishandling of Brexit, and this year’s Budget does nothing to alleviate the untold hardship this will bring, on top of almost a decade of often cruel Tory austerity.

“The SNP will not support Tory tax cuts for the richest, at the expense of the poor. We believe in a fairer society, and one that treats the most vulnerable with dignity and respect.

“It is completely unacceptable, and frankly disrespectful to thousands of people in my constituency and beyond, for the Prime Minister to claim “austerity is over” and then produce this Budget.

“The UK Government should commit to a realistic plan for investment in public services, to grow the economy and boost jobs, incomes and living standards for all.

“While Scotland is being taken out of the EU against our will, this Budget has further exposed the democratic deficit in the UK and why we need full powers over Scotland’s finances to grow our economy and build a fairer society.”