Scottish Labour Leader ‘Living in Parallel Universe’
The SNP has said Anas Sarwar is “living in a parallel universe”, as he reiterated his claim that there would be “no austerity under Labour” in the same week that both the Prime Minister and Chancellor have refused to rule out making severe spending cuts in the forthcoming spending review.
In an interview with the Scotsman, Sarwar claimed that possible further cuts are not a continuation of austerity – just days after the Prime Minister said that the approach to spending cuts would be “ruthless”.
In the interview, the hapless Scottish Labour leader also admitted that action by the UK Government might be harming his prospects of being elected as First Minister. The latest polls show the majority of voters in Scotland are unhappy with the Labour government.
Sarwar’s admission comes just a day after Labour’s Scottish Secretary Ian Murray attempted to blame the public for Labour’s collapse in the polls. Mr Murray said “We were honest with the public back in July that it would be tough – maybe the public don’t like honesty after all”.
During last year’s election campaign, @AnasSarwar told me: “read my lips, no austerity under Labour”.
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) January 14, 2025
The reports of Labour’s planned cuts are deeply concerning, and any more Westminster austerity would push more people into poverty. pic.twitter.com/yhcCIr7dIA
For Anas Sarwar to double down on his ‘no austerity under Labour’ rhetoric, when it is patently not being ruled out by his London bosses, reveals the impotence of his position.
GRAEME
Scottish Labour will do as instructed by Westminster – that has long been evident.
They cannot be trusted to stand up for Scotland and the interests of the people of Scotland – only the SNP is doing that, with the strong leadership of John Swinney and a critical Scottish Government budget putting Scotland’s priorities first and continued mitigation of damaging UK policies.
Anas Sarwar is in denial, Scottish Labour are in denial, but the electorate of Scotland can see clearly what is going on – as reflected in recent polling.