SNP Legislative Programme

Yesterday, the SNP announced their legislative programme. Superficially there is a lot in the programme that could bring consensus across parties, which is not surprising when so much is actually a continuation of Labour policy.

However, as is too often the case with the SNP, it doesn't taste as good as it looks, and many of the policies today take a short term view to score a fast political point. There is a lot of facade and front, but ill thought through policy, around a number of issues such as alcohol.

The SNP are quick to take credit for all that is good in Scotland, but the minute the going gets tough, it's someone else's problem. The SNP have failed to properly explain what they are planning to do to support Scottish people during these current difficult times.

Furthermore, it's what's not in the statement that's most important, not what is.

- Where are they on Scottish Futures Trust?
- What is to happen to the school building programme?
- How are they going to pay for the new Forth crossing?

Everyone thinks the Local Income Tax is a failure.

When willl Alex Salmond stop gambling with people's local services, and have the humility to admit he has made a mistake and work together to develop an alternative property based tax for the people of Scotland.

Labour wants to protect, help and support the most vulnerable in society like children and disabled people. We want justice and fairness in the housing market and to improve skills and job opportunities for young people and help relieve the financial burden on our pensioners. Labour will act constructively in Scotland, to help bring forward bills which show that it is Labour who represents core Scottish values, and are therefore the party best able to stand up for the Scottish people.