CHANCELLOR Philip Hammond was urged to turn today’s Spring Statement into an emergency Budget for Brexit.
In the Commons last night, the SNP MP for Aberdeen North Kirsty Blackman said it was necessary to upgrade what is supposed to be a minor fiscal event.
Speaking to The National afterwards, she said: “There is only a fortnight until Brexit. The Prime Minister’s deal was resoundingly rejected for a second time. The Chancellor must deliver an emergency Budget that cancels the benefits freeze and provides support for business in these incredibly uncertain times.
“We know, and the Chancellor knows, that any Brexit is bad for the economy. He must take this situation seriously and come forward with a full package of measures, not just a bland Spring Statement.”
There were other demands on Hammond.
Scottish Government infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson called on the Chancellor to use the Spring Statement to match Edinburgh’s £85 million funding commitment for the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
Matheson said it would help “harness the region’s full economic potential”.
Meanwhile, Labour’s Lesley Laird called on Hammond to “finally make good on Theresa May’s promise that austerity is coming to an end”.
“The Tories’ failed austerity agenda has ravaged our communities and families across the UK are at breaking point. If this Government had any decency it would recognise that,” she said.
Alongside the Budget update, Hammond is due to give the Government’s latest forecasts for British economic growth.
These are set to be downwardly revised from the outlook given in October.
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