Reeves cuts show "urgency of independence"

Angus South SNP Candidate Lloyd Melville has accused Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves of planning a “slash and burn” Budget after she admitted public spending cuts and further tax rises are on the table.

Speaking to Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates on Wednesday 15th October, Reeves confirmed she was considering both tax rises and public spending cuts - despite already increasing taxes on whisky, Scotland’s energy sector, and local family farms.

At the same time as these pressures are facing the economy, energy bills continue to rise, breaking Labour’s promise to businesses, and heaping extra pressure on families who face increased domestic costs, and higher prices in the shops because of the import costs of Brexit.

Labour promised to cut energy bills by £300 - but Ofgem data shows the average household bill has risen by £187 instead.

Angus South SNP candidate Lloyd Melville said:

“When Labour’s reckless tax hikes are already hampering investment, costing jobs, and putting our agricultural sector at risk, it beggars belief that Rachel Reeves is coming for more.

Families can feel the cost of Labour in their pockets — higher bills, higher prices, and small businesses under huge pressure from national insurance hikes.

Instead of hitting hard-working families yet again, it’s time for Labour to bring in a wealth tax on the billionaires instead.

“But they won’t. Labour is choosing Tory-style austerity over rebalancing the economy.

“For Scotland, another slash and burn Labour budget tells us that no matter who is in 10 Downing Street, we are always an afterthought – and families here in Angus pay the price.

“That’s why independence has never been more urgent. Scotland needs the power to invest in our people, our communities, and our future.”