AFTER weeks of endless leaks and Westminster confusion, the UK Labour Government finally revealed their latest Budget – filled with a smorgasbord of tax rises to compensate for decades of UK Government incompetence.
Now the Chancellor is reported to have misled the public over the state of the public finances, leading to further controversy over whether these tax rises were needed at all.
This incompetence was embodied by the Office for Budget Responsibility revealing the Budget before the Chancellor even stood up.
This instability is not only an embarrassing display of political theatre but directly impacts household budgets and Scotland’s public services. And once again, Scotland was left as an afterthought in decisions that will shape our economy for years to come.
What Scotland needed from this Budget was clear: stability for businesses to protect jobs and encourage investment to jumpstart the UK economy, and support for our energy sector to enact a just transition to net zero. Instead, one of Scotland’s most critical sectors continues to be undermined by Westminster.
The decision to continue the disastrous energy profits levy (EPL) undermines the very idea of a fair and just transition. This risks thousands of jobs and jeopardises the supply chain that we need to shift to green energy.
Of course, this decision disproportionately impacts Scotland’s North Sea workforce – decisions that should be taken with Scotland at the table. The UK Government must work with the businesses who will be key to our just transition and scrap the EPL.
Within the Budget, there was one welcomed development, the abolition of the two-child benefit cap. Its removal will lift thousands of Scottish children out of poverty, allow them to live in dignity and increase their opportunities further in life. This u-turn from Labour is thanks in no small part to years of pressure from SNP MPs and campaigners.
Overall, this was another Budget that strengthens the case for Scottish independence. Once again, our key sectors have been treated as an afterthought. The powers over such decisions should lie with the people of Scotland. With independence, we can protect our public services, support green jobs and deliver the stable, fair economy Scotland deserves.
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