RENFREW FERRY FUTURE IN LABOUR’S HANDS

RENFREW FERRY FUTURE IN LABOUR’S HANDS

LABOUR HYPOCRISY IN FACE OF LONDON GOVERNMENT CUTS

The SNP today condemned Labour hypocrisy over the future of the Renfrew Ferry.

The ferry’s fate is to be determined by Strathclyde Passenger Transport – a body dominated by Labour councils.

Labour MPs are currently trying to shift responsibility for the ferry’s future from their own councils to the Scottish Government – despite their councils receiving record levels of funding from the SNP.

The 29 member board has 20 elected councillors on it, 12 of whom are Labour including the Chair and two vice chairs.

Glasgow MSP Bill Kidd said:

“There can be no doubt that the fate of the Renfrew Ferry lies in Labour’s hands.

“Their councils and councillors dominate Strathclyde Passenger Transport.

“There is no reason for this shortfall. Council’s have received more funding than ever from the Scottish Government –with Glasgow receiving more than any other mainland council - at a time when Labour are cutting Scotland’s budget by over £800 million.

West of Scotland MSP Bill Wilson challenged Labour MPs who are trying to dodge responsibility for SPT services to face up to their party’s responsibilities.

“It seems Labour at every level of government have problems facing up to the financial future they have created for this country.

“With Labour building record debts for the UK which are already leading to savage cuts it is the Labour Chancellor and the spending priorities of Labour councils these redundant MPs should be questioning.

“SPT is effectively run by Labour – it is their decision and their responsibility.

"The Renfrew ferry is a vital transport link for Renfrewshire, cutting this ferry will show the contempt Labour councillors hold for the transport needs of Renfrewshire.

“It is simply not acceptable for Labour councillors to claim the funding is not there, in the fact of massive UK cuts the Scottish government has provided the funding.

“If Labour run SPT end the Renfrew ferry then the people of Renfrewshire and Glasgow will know exactly who is to blame. Labour cannot dodge their responsibility on this one"