TACTICS ARE A PEPPERMINT

The above is the only analysis to describe the behaviour of New Labour MSP's today in the vote for Scotland's budget.

Having lodged an amendment which was accepted by the Scottish Government, they then decided, inexplicably, to abstain in the final vote. They obviously believe that tactics are a peppermint!

However, whilst BLP (Scotland Region) go full steam ahead into the iceberg, it is worth considering the many benefits of the budget, which they were unable to support:

Freezing the unfair Council Tax
More Nursey provision
Reducing Class sizes
Extending the free school meals pilot
Funding to cap Public Transport fares
Phasing out of prescription charges

To name just a few....!

The irony of course is that New Labour were making a demand which only a few days ago was agreed between the STUC and the Scottish Government, which is now incorporated into a Memorandum of Understanding between them. This will involve utilisations of skills, and dealing with Poverty and Health Inequalities. The STUC have produced a number of press releases over the last few weeks broadly supporting the objectives of the Scottish Government.

Whilst New Labour in Holyrood make gestures and indulge in posturing in dealing with Social issues which blight our country, the SNP are getting on with the job of banishing poverty and injustice for all.

Elections can't come quickly enough.........