Brown slams SNP legislative program - referendum shouldn't take priority during recession

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Sep 2009

Brown slams SNP legislative program - referendum shouldn't take priority during recession

Glasgow MSP Robert Brown has slammed the SNP's legislative programme as a distraction from the real business of supporting Scotland through its difficult time in recession.

The programme - set out this week - has at its centre hallmark plans for legislation to introduce a referendum to ask Scots about independence from the UK.

Mr. Salmond's statement contained over 4 pages on a possible referendum, with minimal mention of the economy.

A recent YouGov poll showed support for independence at just 28%.

At a time of economic crisis and recession, the programme's only Bill which directly impacts upon the economy was drawn up to build a new Forth Road Bridge.

Another major piece of legislation, the Alcohol Bill, has also been attacked by Mr. Brown - who is currently the Scottish Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson.

The bill aims to tackle Scotland's alcohol addiction problem by raising prices, however questions have been raised over proven efficacy of this method alongside concerns about knock on impacts to Scotland's more expensive, premium spirit market for the ordinary Scottish consumer.

Mr. Brown said:

"This legislative programme has done nothing to tackle the problems of the recession. Nothing to create or save jobs, and nothing to make any person in Scotland feel secure about this country's future.

"There is no legislation aimed at recovery. Instead we find legislation aimed at a referendum.

"At a time of great insecurity, what we don't need is talk of independence.

"The programme lacks in ambition, and the Government could have done so much more.

"Let's be clear that a referendum on independence is a distraction from the real pressing business of steering Scotland through this tough financial climate at the moment.

"The referendum is about the SNP. The recession and jobs is about Scotland. Scotland should come before the SNP.

"With the Alcohol bill - the government have completely ignored the bigger problem society faces and instead have been blindsided by the idea of hiking up prices.

"Increasing the price of alcohol is not going to stop those with serious addiction problems from drinking. What it will do however, is punish the sensible majority of those who purchase and use alcohol sensibility, and at a time when purse strings have already been hugely tightened.

"These twelve bills will do little to help Scotland's economy get back on track, and little to bring about more jobs.

"It's sad to say that this legislative programme brings about more protection for badgers than it does for Scotland's hardworking, struggling families."

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