Livingston MP condemns Scottish Government's latest Budget - Daily Record

The Budget, delivered by Finance Secretary Shona Robison, marks the 19th under the SNP – and according to Mr Poynton, it offers “more of the same” for Scotland’s struggling public services.

Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has condemned the Scottish Government’s latest budget as “a desperate attempt to paper over cracks after 19 years of failure”.

The Scottish Budget, delivered by Finance Secretary Shona Robison to the Scottish Parliament, marks the 19th under the SNP – and according to Mr Poynton, it offers “more of the same” for Scotland’s struggling public services.

Mr Poynton said: “This is the 19th SNP budget – and it’s more of the same. After nearly two decades in power, the SNP has left Scotland with soaring NHS waiting lists, schools slipping backwards, a housing emergency, and communities that feel less safe.

“They’ve had the powers, they’ve had the money – and they’ve squandered it.

“This is a tired, exhausted government that has run out of ideas and run out of energy. And while they cling to power, ordinary Scots across the Livingston constituency pay the price.

“After 19 years and countless broken promises, for instance, the people of East Calder still don’t have the new medical centre they desperately need. That tells you everything about the SNP’s priorities.

“Scotland deserves better. On May 7, we have the chance to choose a new direction with Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour – a government focused on fixing problems, not making excuses.”

Meanwhile, Mr Poynton has welcomed £140 million of new regional investment across Scotland, with major funding for the Edinburgh & South East and Forth Valley regions set to deliver jobs, skills and economic growth that will benefit communities across West Lothian.

He added: “This is a UK Labour government taking action and making the strategic investments that our local economy needs.

“The benefits of this major investment will be felt here in West Lothian through new jobs, stronger supply chains and more opportunities for local people to access skilled work close to home.

“After years of under investment and drift, Labour is backing growth, backing industry, and backing communities like ours to prosper.”

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