Independence issue will ‘dominate’ SNP conference, says Finance Secretary
KATE FORBES was accused of ignoring public concerns over health and education by saying independence will “dominate” the SNP conference this weekend.
The Finance Secretary was also criticised after quibbling about terminology and talking about the electricity grid when asked how Scotland would manage its deficit under independence.
“Our rich natural assets can be used to feed hungry children in Scotland,” she said.
Opposition parties said voters would be “tearing their hair out” at her sense of priorities and her “copout” answer on the economics of leaving the Union.
On Radio Scotland, Ms Forbes was asked to what extent the push for a second referendum would dominate the proceedings.
She said: “Independence will always dominate discussions at SNP conferences, as you will imagine, because we believe Scotland’s future is best served and best delivered in Scotland’s hands and that means, ultimately, we believe the people in Scotland should have a say over their future.”
According to the Scottish Government’s own figures, the GERS (Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland) report published in August, Scotland’s notional deficit in 2020/21 was
22.4 per cent of GDP including a geographical share of North Sea revenue, compared to 14.2% of
GDP for the UK.
Asked how Scotland would pay its way under independence with “a great big budget deficit”, the Skye MSP said there was a difference between an actual deficit under independence and a notional budget deficit within the current constitutional settlement.
Ms Forbes said: “I balance my budget every year. Of course you cannot have a deficit if you cannot borrow for day-to-day spending.
“What you’re talking about is a notional deficit where 72% of the tax figures are UK Government tax figures, and 40% of the spending are UK Government figures.”
The SNP’S Growth Commission of 2018 accepted GERS offered the best estimate for the starting deficit of an independent Scotland.
Asked if she would borrow, raise taxes or cut services in response to the deficit, Ms Forbes again argued about terminology and talked about the electricity grid.
She said: “Right now Scotland has 40% of the UK’S renewable energy potential. We’ve got 25% of Europe’s wave and tidal potential. But energy is reserved, the grid is reserved. We can ensure we help the renewable industry to prosper and thrive, but we need all the powers over the grid.”
Tory MSP Donald Cameron said: “As ever with her party and government, the priority is plotting to break up the UK, rather than putting right their policy failures.”
Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said Ms Forbes had given “a masterclass in SNP incompetence”.
Scottish Libdem leader Alex ColeHamilton said: “It is depressingly obvious the SNP cares more about pushing another referendum than your parent’s operation, partner’s job, or your child’s education.”