Killen out to make an issue of tax rate
Gerard Killen, Scottish Labour candidate for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, has challenged his SNP opponent to back a 50p rate of income tax.
Mr Killen accused the SNP of “hypocrisy”and said they had “U-turned repeatedly on the progressive rate of taxation”.
Labour is proposing a 50p rate of tax for those earning over £150,000 which they say would see more money raised for public services.
Mr Killen said Margaret Ferrier, who is defending the seat for the SNP, cared more about independence than being anti-austerity.
He said:“Margaret Ferrier’s party likes to talk about being principled on public services – yet all we hear from them is about independence. The SNP love to take positions on things like the 50p rate of tax when campaigning, but it’s just excuses when they’re in power.
“If they really wanted to invest in public services they’d have used their last decade in government to do it.
“The race here is going to be close. The only way to stop the SNP in Rutherglen and Cambuslang is to vote Labour.”
Responding, Ms Ferrier said:“The SNP has been consistent on the 50p top rate of tax. We support its implementation across the whole of the UK and that continues to be the case. The Scottish Government has taken expert advice on raising the rate in Scotland only, which suggested that it could possibly lead to less tax being collected due to tax flight and avoidance.
“The SNP Scottish Government’s position remains under observation and is subject to an annual review process.
“This is in sharp contrast with Scottish Labour’s irresponsible position on taxation which would see the basic rate increased for all income tax payers - including the very lowest paid workers.
“This boomerang attack from Mr Killen shows exactly why it’s only the SNP who can be trusted on taxation at this election.”