LABOUR VOTE TO CUT SCOTLAND'S BUDGET - ONLY SNP DELIVER BALANCED BUDGET

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan today said it was clear only the SNP could be trusted to balance the budget, back small business and support public services after Labour, Tories and Lib Dems voted to cut Scotland's budget by £30million on top of the £1.3 billion already slashed by their Westminster Governments.

Mr. McMillan said:

"Voters in Inverclyde and across Scotland will be deeply disturbed that Labour, Tory and the Lib Dems have put the interests of supermarket profits before household budgets, small businesses and public services.

"Tonight, Labour have cut £30 million from Scotland's budget. Labour's vote with the Tories and Lib Dems for a £30 million cut to Scotland's budget will shock the many services already coping with Tory budget cuts.

"Labour now have no credibility on public spending or Tory cuts when they have wilfully cut £30 million from Scotland's public spending.

During the debate in Parliament tonight, Stuart McMillan MSP questioned Labour’s Finance spokesperson Andy Kerr on the effects that large retail outlets have on town centre high streets using Princes Street in Port Glasgow as the example. Mr. Kerr admitted he didn’t know the area and continued speaking from his pre written speech.

Speaking afterwards, Stuart said:

"I grew up in Port Glasgow and can remember how busy it used to be. No one can deny Port Glasgow Town Centre isn’t as thriving as it once was.

"It’s obvious that Labour want to continue to decimate or town centres so that large retailers can profit. At the same time, Labour also want our pensioners to pay more in Council Tax whilst saving large retailers their billions in profits.

"It is clear as we approach next week's budget that the SNP is the only party trying to deliver a balanced budget for Scotland that protects Scottish values, the services we hold dear and supports Scotland's economic recovery."