The news in the Guardian today that George Osborne is drawing up a hitlist of £30bn of further cuts shows what the Tories have in store for Scotland after the next election - and demonstrates why control over the economy and spending should be in Scotland's hands rather than Westminster's.
As reported today, the plans for further cuts are said to have left even some Cabinet ministers 'aghast' - with some feeling that the extent of the new cuts are not justified. This follows on from yesterday's revelations in the Financial Times that the level of cuts the Tories have planned are set to be around double what was previously stated - from £25bn to £48bn.
Commenting, SNP Treasury spokesperson Stewart Hosie said: "Westminster's austerity agenda has already caused real harm to Scotland's economy and has pushed even more people into poverty - the idea that George Osborne is plotting a further £30bn of cuts will send a chill down the spines of communities across the country. That even UK government ministers - who have presided over substantial cuts - are said to be 'aghast' at the level of these new cuts should make clear the extent of what George Osborne has in store for our vital public services."
Continuing Mr Hosie said: "Yesterday we found out that the levels of cuts planned is set to double - and with Labour under Ed Miliband and Ed Balls also signed up to substantial cuts after the next election, it's clear that the entire Westminster establishment is intent on carrying on with the economic madness of austerity regardless of the consequences. That's exactly why key economic powers should be transferred to Scotland rather than being held by a Westminster establishment obsessed with austerity - allowing us to invest in our public services, create jobs and protect the most vulnerable people in society."
"The Westminster parties promised these extensive economic powers in their vow to the people of Scotland. They simply must deliver - or they will pay a heavy price at the ballot box." Stewart Hosie added.
