This is the nub of the matter: if we try to scrutinise what would be a devastating policy for Scotland, we are accused of not being ambitious for Scotland. For the avoidance of doubt, that £7.6 billion is over and above the UK deficit. I agree with the hon. Lady that the Conservative Government made a complete shambles of getting rid of the deficit in the previous Parliament, breaking all their promises and only halving it. But the actual deficit—I have the IFS paper here—is not just £7.6 billion, but £7.6 billion over and above the current UK deficit, which is £14.2 billion. That is not a lack of ambition for Scotland, but a warning against a fiscal policy that would be folly for families up and down Scotland.
Scotland Bill
Proceeding contribution from
Ian Murray
(Labour)
in the House of Commons on Monday, 15 June 2015.
It occurred during Debate on bills
and
Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Scotland Bill.
About this proceeding contribution
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2015-16Chamber / Committee
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2015-06-16 13:46:39 +0100
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