Darling claims Tory cuts would affect Scotland
Conservative Party proposals for spending cuts would have a devastating effect on Scotland, according to Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling.
Speaking at Labour’s Scottish conference in Dundee, Mr Darling claimed that plans to cut £35 billion from the UK’s spending budget would affect Scotland, in spite of devolution.
He told delegates: “The Conservative Party doesn’t understand Scotland, they don’t know Scotland and they appear to care even less.”
The Scottish Secretary added: “The Tories are committed to cut £35 billion from public spending. And don’t let anyone tell you that devolution will protect Scotland from a Tory government.
“Be in no doubt that if Michael Howard goes in the door of number 10, then Scotland’s spending plans on health, education and crime go out the window.”
Mr Darling also hit out at Tory leader Michael Howard’s record in government, citing three million unemployed when he was Employment Secretary, rising crime when he was Home Secretary and the introduction of the poll tax when he was local government minister.
He accused the Tories of promising to spend money they did not have and promising tax cuts they could not afford.
The minister added to applause: “Back to boom and bust. Short term Tory opportunism in place of the long term interests of the country and it should be rejected.”
Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell is expected to compare Margaret Thatcher’s record in government with Labour’s and name the services he believes would be threatened by Conservative policies.
On Friday, Tony Blair promised the Scottish conference an “us and them” fight between Labour and the Tories in the run up to this year’s general election.
