KERR CONCEDES ON BORROWING POWERS FOR SCOTLAND.

KERR CONCEDES ON BORROWING POWERS FOR SCOTLAND.

CONSENSUS GROWS EVEN FURTHER FOR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Commenting on Labour finance spokesperson Andy Kerr’s interview on Newsnight Scotland last night where he said he was in favour of borrowing powers for the Scottish Parliament SNP MSP Rob Gibson – a member of the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy & Tourism Committee – said Mr Kerr’s concession showed that the case for borrowing powers was now overwhelming.
Mr Gibson said:
"With Labour now joining the campaign for more borrowing powers for the Scottish Government the case is now overwhelming and there is little reason for further delay in extending this responsibility to Scotland in these troubled economic times.
"There is a compelling case for greater fiscal autonomy for the Scottish Parliament and opposition to borrowing powers has little to no grounds to stand on. With John Swinney's announcement on fiscal autonomy today it will be interesting to see positive engagement from Labour on that wider issue.
"As we face Labour's recession and Brown's billion pound spending cuts having the responsibility to manage our own budget is vital in ensuring we are able to respond swiftly and effectively to changes in economic circumstances.
"The Scottish Government must have the powers to take the right decisions to reflate the economy according to our own distinct circumstances.
"The examples of Northern Ireland and local councils having the power to borrow shows that the case against borrowing powers is fundamentally weak. In addition the UK Government's refusal to work with the Scottish Government on planning long term finances for projects like the Forth Bridge exposes the ludicrous situation Scotland finds itself in.
"Scotland needs additional borrowing power to allow greater flexibility for the Scottish Government in these difficult economic times."