30/10/2008

BORDERS RAILWAY UNDER THREAT FROM LIB/DEM CUTS

LibDem plans to cut public spending by £800 million to fund tax cuts threaten the Borders rail link says Christine Grahame  MSP , after the party's spokesperson on finance, Jeremy Purvis, admitted that it would be funded by savings on infrastructure plans in a debate in the Scottish Parliament today.
Commenting after the debate on the LibDem's admission Ms Grahame said:

"This admission by Jeremy Purvis seriously questions his party's commitment to the Borders rail link.

"If he is saying that his party's plans for deep cuts in public spending mean cuts in infrastructure projects then their plans seriously threaten the Borders rail link. He can't have it both ways.

"This morning's debate was instructive in that exposed the paucity of the Lib/Dems' policy. They want £800 million in tax cuts but have been rather vague in how they would pay for it.

"By admitting that infrastructure projects would be targeted Mr Purvis has just put the Borders rail link in the frame.

"This Liberal tax-cut plan was already exposed as ill-thought out when he underestimated the cost by £400 million.

"There has obviously been little thought as to how much this would cost never mind what impact their public service cuts would have on Scottish public services.

"Mr Purvis can continue promoting this ill thought out plan – it is the SNP which will continue to move forward with our commitment to provide £115 million for the Borders Rail Link something the Liberal democrats failed to do over decades at Westminster and 8 years in power at Holyrood "

SNP It’s time.....