Budget: Scotland

Asked the hon. Member to explain the rationale for removing the ringfence around agricultural support payments.

He criticised the UK Government's Budget, stating that it has caused business confidence to plummet, inflation to rise, and growth to stall. He highlighted concerns from various business organisations about the impact of tax hikes on Scotland.

Welcomed the increase in NHS investment but criticised the SNP Government's mismanagement leading to chaos in public services and ferries. Highlighted concerns about tough decisions made by the new UK Government. Asked the Minister to give way multiple times during her speech.

Asked the hon. Member what he meant by “buy now and pay later” when Scottish Governments must have a balanced budget every year. Acknowledged some welcome aspects of the Budget but described it as an unmitigated disaster for Scotland, imposing billions of pounds of service cuts and tax rises. Defended NHS Scotland, pointing out higher spending per head and more doctors and nurses compared to the rest of the UK. Complained about the tax burden placed on Scottish people, stating that unlike the SNP, Labour did not increase national insurance or VAT on working people in Scotland. Criticised the impact of changes by the Scottish Government on rural communities.

Asked how Conservatives would have raised money needed to fund services in Scotland without opposition from SNP.

Asked for an intervention but was denied by Dave Doogan; later asked about green jobs and Berwick Bank consent process.

Spoke as an expert on the mineworkers’ pension scheme, likely referencing its implications in the Budget context.

Asked how changes to national insurance contributions, which mean Aberdeenshire council has to find an extra £13 million in its budget this year, would help with education standards and health in Aberdeenshire. The Chancellor's decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions impacts business resilience, growth, investments, hiring decisions, and longevity. The tax rise is a betrayal of Labour’s promise not to raise taxes on working people, including national insurance. Discussed the reliance of 60% of farms in Scotland on APR, claiming it is important for food security and employment. Highlighted concerns over changes to APR that would affect farmers.

Discussed the issue of pregnant mothers having to travel long distances for maternity care, highlighted the closure of a consultant-led maternity service in Caithness under SNP Government rule, raised concerns about mental health services in rural areas.

Despite the Labour Government's £47.7 billion funding commitment for Scotland, the NHS remains in crisis with one in six Scots on waiting lists. The SNP-controlled council cut £19.1 million from health and social care. Asked whether increasing taxes on whisky was an attempt to buy off union paymasters, suggesting it is more about delivering a pay rise for hard-working Scots. Talked about social care problems in Renfrewshire, highlighting issues with funding.

The Budget delivered by the Chancellor is pro-growth and pro-industry, providing more funds to state schools in Glasgow, increasing the national living wage for thousands of constituents, and delivering a pensioner boost through the triple lock. The SNP has no excuses as the UK Labour Government provided £4.9 billion additional funding over two years for Scotland's public finances. Emphasised that business confidence is growing due to the Budget.

The Budget marks an end to Tory austerity, prioritising economic growth and public services for Scotland’s working people after nearly two decades of SNP mismanagement and incompetence. Championed the support for manufacturing jobs within the Budget.

Responded to Dave Doogan, emphasizing that the tax burden was indeed high when Labour came into power.

Commented on the autumn 2024 UK Budget, praising it for ending austerity and delivering significant funding for Scotland's public services and economic growth. Discussed the difficult choices made within the Budget context.

Asked if the decline in Labour support in Scotland is due to discussions about the Scottish Government.

Discussed the opportunity to boost Scotland's renewable sector through investment, securing the future of the Methil yard in his constituency, saving over 350 jobs and apprenticeships. Discussed the opportunities in the energy sector supported by the Budget.

Questioned how austerity could be declared over when winter fuel payment was removed and a refusal to end the two-child cap had been made by the Labour Government. Labour Members are accused of fiscal mismanagement, but examples such as Hinkley Point delays and spending on Trident are cited as actual fiscal mismanagement.

Argued that the Scottish Government is mismanaging public services, especially healthcare, leading to long waiting times and inefficient use of funds in regions like Western Isles. Critiqued local NHS services, describing them as 'unfortunately in name only' due to mismanagement.

Inquired about the timeline for approving Berwick Bank to enable investment in renewable energy projects. Welcomed the allocation of £150 million to community projects across the UK, including a new MacMillan Hub in Edinburgh North and Leith that will provide an accessible and high-quality creative learning space alongside other services. Addressed the new deal for working people as part of the Budget.

Asked the Minister to give way, contributing minorly to the debate.