MPs must keep Tories to account

IT WOULD be churlish to condemn rookie Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s first Budget since succeeding Sajid Javid.

He announced a £30billion package to help the steer the country through the coronavirus crisis – and much of it should be welcomed.

Boosting NHS funding was the correct move, as was extending sick pay for those who will contract the infection.

The Budget also contained measures that are good for Scots.

A £640million funding boost for the Scottish Government will help public services, the commitment to extend 4G coverage cannot be ignored, and support for the whisky industry was positive.

However, one Budget that increases public spending cannot make up for nearly a decade of cuts and austerity.

From 2010, the Tories embarked on an ideological crusade to cut the deficit on the backs of the poor.

They saved money by taking cash from benefits claimants and slashed funding for key public services.

At the same time, they cut the top rate of income tax and gave inheritance tax cuts to the rich.

The investment announced by Sunak yesterday will not even come close to reversing the nine years of pain imposed on working people.

Labour is an under-performing opposition that makes Boris Johnson’s Government look competent by default.

The Prime Minister is enjoying his honeymoon period in office but a new Labour leader will put him under greater pressure.

MPs need to ensure the Tory Government delivers on the new investment, rather than basking in a day’s headlines before sneakily breaking its promises.