17 Jan 2018

Figures published today show that Scottish economic growth is only half that of the UK economy.

Scottish GDP grew by just 0.2 per cent compared to 0.4 per cent across the UK between July and September 2017.

Analysis has also showed that failure to match the performance of the UK economy as a whole between 2007, when the SNP came to power, and 2022 will amount to a growth gap for Scotland of £16.5 billion in cash terms.

That’s based on Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts that Scotland’s economy will grow at less than one per cent for each of the next four years, a fraction of the growth expected for the rest of the UK.

Shadow economy secretary Dean Lockhart said repeated poorer growth for Scotland would result in less cash for school, hospitals and other public services.

Compared to the same quarter in the previous year (representing annual growth) the Scottish economy grew at only one-third of the rate of the UK. Scottish GDP grew 0.6 per cent compared to 1.7 per cent for the UK in that time frame.

Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for the economy Dean Lockhart said:

‘’Scotland’s economy has under-performed the rest of the UK for the entire decade that the SNP has been in power, at a cost of £16.5 billion.

”According to the Fraser of Allander Institute such low trends in economic growth for Scotland have not been witnessed in 60 years.

“This is Nicola Sturgeon’s mess; but her only answer is to blame Brexit and raise taxes.

‘’Sturgeon’s policy of making Scotland the highest-taxed part of the UK will only make matters worse.

“Simply put, the SNP failure to grow our economy is directly responsible for less money for schools, hospitals and public services.”

16 Jan 2018

The monthly ScotRail Performance Update has shown that in 19 terminal stations across Scotland, the trains are more likely to be late than on time.

This means that 25% of the 77 terminal stations on the ScotRail network trains are late more than half of the time.

The worst performing station is Milngavie with only 27.5 percent of trains arriving on time, followed closely by Largs at 31.2 percent and Ardrossan Harbour at 35.8 percent

The revelations follow the publication of a consumer report showing that ScotRail was awarded an overall satisfaction rating of only 51 percent, the lowest among all train companies operating in Scotland.

Commenting on the findings, Jamie Greene, Scottish Conservative transport spokesman said:

“This is another depressing performance from ScotRail.

“We all know the state of Scotland’s rail service is simply not good enough, and ultimate responsibility lies with the SNP.

“Commuters who rely on ScotRail’s services are already aware of this terrible record but passengers from these stations will be particularly angry.

“People need to get to work on time and Scotland’s economy needs a transport system that’s fit for purpose.

“The SNP has failed to keep ScotRail on track and provide an efficient service for the travelling public.”

ScotRail Performance update – https://www.scotrail.co.uk/performance-and-reliability

The table shows the percentage of ScotRail services that arrive at their location on time, within 1 minute of the timetabled time.

15 Jan 2018

Emails released by a Scottish Parliamentary Committee have raised further questions over the intervention of the justice secretary in the management of the Scottish Police Authority.

Michael Matheson stated to the Scottish Parliament that he intervened in the reinstatement of the Chief Constable because “there did not appear to be a robust plan in place to protect the wellbeing of officers and staff who had raised complaints or who had been asked to play a role in the investigation”.

But now emails released by Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee show the agreed press release actually stated: “The Authority has also taken the necessary steps with Police Scotland to ensure suitable arrangement are put in place to support the welfare of all involved parties until the alleged conduct issues are concluded.”

Mr Matheson was responding to criticism that he blocked the return of Chief Constable Phil Gormley despite the unanimous vote of the Scottish Police Authority.

Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr said;

“Once again Michael Matheson’s version of events has raised more questions than it answers.

“As soon as we appear to be close to a conclusion on this episode, further detail emerges that casts doubt over the role of the justice secretary.

“We now have evidence that undermines the account the justice secretary gave to the Scottish Parliament in his statement last week.

“These questions arise entirely from the account of the justice secretary and the longer the ambiguity and inaccuracies continue, the more people will ask questions around his performance.

“We would all like to see an end to this affair so that our diligent police officers have confidence in their leadership.”

15 Jan 2018

The SNP government has been told to focus on making a success of Brexit, instead of willing it to fail and using it to agitate for independence.

The nationalists released a paper today claiming a so-called hard Brexit would cost every Scot £2300 a year.

The findings in the re-hashed ‘Scotland’s Place in Europe’ document have been criticised by the Scottish Conservatives, who said Scotland could make a success of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union provided ministers in both governments work together.

Constitution spokesman Adam Tomkins said Brexit provided both challenges and opportunities, but there was a clear will from people in Scotland for the SNP to make the process work.

Last week, an acclaimed social attitudes survey revealed no real difference in what people north and south of the border wanted to achieve from leaving the EU.

And despite the warnings in today’s paper, no mention is made of the benefits of Scotland staying in the UK single market, something the SNP wants to end.

The report also fails to mention that EU migration to Scotland has increased since Brexit, and ignores the fact most Scots want a UK-wide position on immigration.

Scottish Conservative constitution spokesman Adam Tomkins said:

“The SNP government has gone completely over-the-top in its scaremongering here.

“As the nationalists proved with their independence White Paper, their financial forecasts simply cannot be trusted.

“No-one’s doubting that Brexit will pose challenges, but it will bring opportunities too.

“That’s why it’s vital the SNP works with the UK Government to achieve the best Brexit deal, and not will the process to fail in the hope of furthering its own constitutional obsessions.

“Only last week public opinion in Scotland was shown to be much the same as the rest of the UK.

“People are sick of the wrangling, and want this process concluded efficiently and successfully.”

9 Jan 2018

The SNP faces another court battle over one of its policies, after energy firm Ineos launched legal action against the ban on fracking.

The company, which owns the Grangemouth refinery, today lodged a petition for judicial review into the recent decision to outlaw shale extraction north of the border.

The SNP pushed ahead with the ban, with the backing of Labour and the Greens, even though Scottish Government experts said shale could be produced safely.

Shadow finance secretary Murdo Fraser backed the move by Ineos, saying a ban on fracking not only damaged the economy, but missed a chance to lower energy bills too.

It’s the third time the SNP government has found itself defending one of its decisions in court.

In 2016, the Supreme Court ruled elements of its named person policy were unlawful.

And last year, a lengthy battle to impose alcohol minimum pricing eventually reached a conclusion following a challenge by the Scotch Whisky Association.

Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary Murdo Fraser said:

“The SNP’s decision to ban fracking is rooted in dogma, and ignores the economic benefits it could bring to Scotland.

“Further exploration of shale extraction could also reduce the need for gas imports, and even help relieve fuel poverty.

“The Scottish Government’s own advisers know this, yet still ministers are sticking to this needless and potentially damaging ban.

“This is another day in court for an SNP government which doesn’t think its policies through.

“That’s embarrassing for Scotland’s reputation, and exposes the amateurish attitude of the SNP on a range of issues.

“Fracking could be explored safely if properly regulated – and the whole country could benefit as a consequence.”