 MSP Gil Paterson has welcomed new statistics showing the Scottish economy is doing well — and has attributed the success to SNP government investment in key industries.
The latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures show the country’s finances improved in 2016/17. Overall, the notional deficit fell by £1.3 billion in 2016-17 to stand at 8.3% of GDP. Onshore revenues increased by £3.3 billion (6.1%) between 2015-16 and 2016-17 – the fastest increase since current records began in 1998-99 – while North Sea revenue also grew. Mr Paterson said: “While the Tory cabinet ushers through new ways to close down public services, the SNP government here is literally building Scotland’s economy up, and the signs are very positive. “Our investment in key sectors of our economy has absolutely shown through — in 2016, there were £6 billion worth of construction projects going on in Scotland. Huge projects like the M8 extension, A9 dual on the way and the Queensferry Crossing will be helping, to name a few. “And here in Clydebank, Scottish Government investment in the Golden Jubilee National Hospital will create scores of brand new jobs and boost the local and national economy. “It’s worth remembering, Scotland’s tax revenue goes into projects in the south of England that apparently benefit Scotland, like in the past the new high speed railway, Heathrow Airport and the London Underground. It is questionable that Scotland directly benefits from these projects. “Despite our record of achievement, we hear constant spiteful rhetoric from opposition politicians and media pundits that Scotland is too wee and too stupid to be a success. It is still clear that Labour, the Tories and Liberal Democrats are just too fervent in their debt to the union to listen to the pragmatic reasons on why Scotland could easily be an independent close friend and ally of the UK. “What does threaten to derail progress is a shambolic departure from the European Union, which would cost our economy up to £11 billion a year from 2030 and 80,000 jobs. While appreciating the vote to leave across the UK, the withdrawal from the EU needs to be considerate, and not a new series of the Tory cabinet soap opera power struggle.” ENDS From Gil Paterson MSP by Alan Ferguson (07342061722) The report: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/08/7201 |
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