ITS THE PUBLICS MONEY.....

I am currently in Bournemouth for the UNISON UK Conference where New Labour are getting a kicking from speaker after speaker, vilifying their moves towards privatisation, outsourcing, lack of funding for public services and their disgraceful international agenda. Over the last few weeks the developing political arguments mirror those being heard here. Its the public's money.



Indeed, over the last few weeks, BLP Scotland have found themselves on the wrong side of the debate. Firstly, sending their MSP'S to argue in the Finance Committee that PPP/PFI is a good thing. So, only months after Wendy's great Socialist fightback, we see their MSP's arguing that it is acceptable for the taxpayer to be ripped off and for millions to be sent to private equity holders.

Next, the current high oil price has inevitably brought back discussion on oil revenues and the prospect of a Scottish Oil Fund looks more promising and the correct thing to do with each passing day.

More importantly, however, the stark choice between New Labour and the Tory Vultures on the one hand and the SNP could not be clearer. The hiving off of millions to the private sector, or the someone who can be trusted with public funds. Indeed, the Scottish Government has received praise at this Conference for many of its measures, not least the ending of PFI/PPP in Health.

Tomorrow, we may well be discussing whether UNISON should re-ballot its members on whether New Labour should receive access to funds form the union.......I think you can guess how I will be voting!