Commenting on today's SNP stance on the Pre-Budget Report, Jim Sheridan MP, Chair of the Scottish group of Labour MPs, said:

“Alex Salmond’s already weak position on the economy is becoming increasingly discredited. The choice for our country is clear: provide real help for families and businesses now, or do nothing.

“If Alex Salmond wants to align himself with the Tories and let the recession take its course, the people of Scotland will damn him for it.

“The Labour Government is absolutely clear that helping people through these tough times is essential, and Labour is doing that.

“The SNP are either in favour of giving money back to Scottish families, or they are against it.

“If Alex Salmond really opposes the £2 billion cashback to Scottish families, he should have the honesty to say so, instead of couching behind increasingly bizarre bluster unfit for a man in his office.”

27 November 2008