BROWN PUTS POLITICAL SURVIVAL BEFORE ECONOMIC ACTION.

BROWN PUTS POLITICAL SURVIVAL BEFORE ECONOMIC ACTION.

SNP REDOUBLE RECOVERY ACTION WHILE STRUGGLING BROWN SHELVES PLAN

TALE OF TWO GOVERNMENTS CONTINUES TO HIGHLIGHT SCOTTISH ACTION

The contrast between the London Labour government and the SNP Scottish Government was further highlighted today with the Scottish Government setting out an updated Economic Recovery Programme a day after it was reported that the UK government's “next steps” recovery plan - which was due for publication today - was shelved by Gordon Brown because Ministers did not have enough new ideas to produce a convincing package.

The Scottish Government's programme sets out an updated Economic Recovery Programme so Scottish households and business can benefit from a range of measures to help them through the recession – including an extra 31 million pounds set to support new housing across Scotland.

SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie MP said:

"Gordon Brown seems more concerned about his own political survival than the economic recovery of the country. If he and his Ministers have run out of ideas then they should look to the Scottish Government for inspiration.

"On the day that the Prime Minister has been forced to shelve his ‘next step’ plan because of a lack of ideas, the Scottish Government has stepped up its economic recovery programme with new measures and new money.

"The update to the Scottish Economic Recovery Programme builds on the many actions already underway, and comes on the same day as Scottish Development International publishes strong annual results showing the Scottish Government is pursuing the right programme to promote recovery and protect jobs in Scotland from the current downturn.

"Labour really are out of ideas and out of time. It is little wonder more than half of those questioned for a poll over the weekend said that Gordon Brown's continued presence as prime minister is damaging the country.

"And with Labour and the Tories planning damaging spending cuts for Scotland - even as Scottish oil revenues swell the Treasury's coffers by 30 billion pounds over the next five years - SNP success at the General Election is essential to stop the Westminster cuts and keep our economic recovery on track.”