Greene sets out demands ahead of budget Stage 1 debate

Speaking ahead of the Stage 1 debate on the budget tomorrow, Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene said:

“As a result of our negotiations to date, the draft budget contains money for key priorities like colleges, entrepreneurship and removing peak fares on the Northern Isles ferries.

“Not all of Scotland’s problems can be fixed in a single budget but the public expect politicians to act like grown-ups.

“Unlike Scottish Labour we will not let this budget pass while doing nothing to shape its priorities.

“Unlike the Scottish Conservatives we will not spit our dummies out and sit on the sidelines.

“To secure our support there are three key areas, where the government need to show us that they have moved on our priorities. These are business rates, social care and hospices.

“I hope that when I address the First Minister tomorrow at First Minister’s Questions, we see movement on these three issues. If the First Minister wants to do business on passing a sensible budget, he must meet me halfway. The clock is ticking to secure Liberal Democrat support.”