SNP COMMENT ON ASK THE CHANCELLORS DEBATE

SNP COMMENT ON ASK THE CHANCELLORS DEBATE

SNP Treasury Spokesman, Stewart Hosie MP, has branded the contributions of
the London parties appearing on Channel Four's Ask The Chancellors Debate
as "a tedious race to the bottom".

Commenting, Mr Hosie said:

"Tonight was a tedious repetition of what we've already heard from the
London parties who are in a race to the bottom with their cuts agenda.

"There was little from any of the three participants which would inspire
confidence that they are committed to growth, protecting recovery and
securing a sustainable economic future for Scotland.

"Alistair Darling, in particular, has a brass neck to claim premature cuts
could tip us back into recession. The UK Labour Government have inflicted
the first real term cut on the Scottish budget since devolution - risking
the Scottish recovery.

"The Chancellor himself has already acknowledged Labour's cuts will be
'tougher and deeper' than those implemented by Margaret Thatcher."