SNP tax vote abstention ‘clearest sign yet’ of raid on workers

20 Sep 2017

The SNP’s decision to wave through Labour plans for a tax hike is the “clearest sign yet” that it plans to hit workers in the pocket.

The nationalists chose not to oppose the Holyrood motion today that would see increases for taxpayers across Scotland, compounding its reputation as the highest-taxed part of the UK.

Only the Scottish Conservatives opposed the Labour proposal, arguing such increases would further punish workers – particularly those on the basic rate who can least afford it.

The change in tack from the SNP directly contradicts previous manifestos where such tax increases were ruled out, and several nationalist MSPs who’ve criticised the approach on social media in the past.

Following this evening’s vote, Labour’s motion was passed by 33 votes to 30, with 61 SNP abstentions.

Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary Murdo Fraser said:

“This is the clearest sign yet that the SNP is heading for a tax raid on the majority of Scotland’s workers.

“The nationalists are lurching to the left, and the hardworking people of Scotland will pay the price.

“The Scottish Conservatives are now the only party in Scotland who stand against this tax-grabbing agenda.

“Compounding Scotland’s reputation as the highest-taxed part of the UK will be a disaster for businesses and the economy.”