SALMOND DESPERATE TO DODGE THE BLAME FOR SCHOOL MEALS CASH SHORTAGE
Scottish Labour today hit out at the Alex Salmond for his comments over the introduction of his school meals policy.
His misguided attack on Labour came at the same time that it emerged that 16 councils – half the councils in Scotland - have now said they need extra resources to provide free school meals for primary 1,2, and 3 including four councils that are either SNP run or SNP coalitions.
SNP-controlled Stirling Council as well as City of Edinburgh, East Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire have all been quoted as being unable to afford the policy.
The First Minister told BBC Scotland that: "There's huge enthusiasm in many councils to get on with it and the ones that are kicking up a fuss are doing it for political reasons.
He added: "It's a case of the Labour Party quite literally wanting to take food out of the mouths of children and I don't think the public is going to stand for it."
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said:
“This is a huge gaffe by Alex Salmond. It is clear that 50 per cent of councils say they can’t afford this policy without extra funds including four councils with SNP members as part of the leadership.
“His misguided attack on Labour shows his desperation in trying to dodge the blame for his government’s education failures.
“Does he think that SNP controlled Stirling Council is stealing food from the mouths of our children? Does he think that SNP councillors on City of Edinburgh Council are stealing food from our children?
“The fact is Labour will back the policy if the money is provided to pay for it. Alex Salmond’s comments are shameful and he should apologise to the councillors across Scotland who are simply telling the truth about the con in the SNPs concordat.
“Only three councils have so far said that they can afford this policy and Mr Salmond’s attack on the rest is unwarranted and small minded.
“It’s time for the First Minister to start taking some responsibility for his own policies.”
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