The vote in the Scottish Parliament yesterday was the clearest sign yet that the SNP is lurching to the left, and planning a raid on the pockets of the majority of Scottish taxpayers.
We’ve known for some time where Labour stand on this issue – they’ve been perfectly upfront about their desire to hike taxes on workers right across the country, even those on the basic rate who can least afford it.
By refusing to oppose this motion in Holyrood, the SNP government has indicated that’s the approach it wants to take as well.
Not only will this mean hardworking families in all parts of the country will be allowed to keep less of their money, but it will damage the economy too.
We may as well hang a sign at the Scottish border which says ‘higher taxes here’.
It will drive away investment and boost the prospects of our closest competitors.
The SNP may argue that we need to raise more money to fund our public services.
But a report earlier this week showed how the level of public spending in Scotland is in excess of £1400 higher per head of population than the UK average.
And figures are clear in showing that since the SNP came to power in 2007, there has been no real terms cut in this government’s discretionary spend.
Set against that backdrop, we simply don’t accept that there is a case for increasing the tax burden on hardworking Scottish families.
According to yesterday’s vote, no other political party in Scotland agrees.
