SCOTLAND should not be given more powers over welfare, taxes and spending, because of its history as a “relatively reactionary country”, according to Scottish Labour leadership hopeful Ken Macintosh.
The MSP warned more powers could be abused if reactionary government was to be elected. In an interview with pro-independence news site the Commonspace, Macintosh said that assuming policy coming from Holyrood would be more progressive than policy coming from Westminster was “dangerous”.
“It’s based on the assumption that if we devolve powers over anything, welfare, tax and spending that we will automatically take more progressive decisions. Now, that’s a dangerous assumption to make,” he said. Scotland, he added, “might get a reactionary government in 20 years time”.
Macintosh also claimed he was trying to offer the “same thing” as Jeremy Corbyn.
Giving his explanation for the success of Corbyn’s campaign, Macintosh said: “It’s integrity I think. A lot of the other candidates are being hampered by being seen to position themselves, whereas Jeremy is totally unencumbered by that. He’s already positioned.” He continued: “That’s where Jeremy offers something which I find attractive. I’ll be honest with you, I’m trying to offer the same thing.”
Although, Macintosh made it clear in the interview it was the integrity rather than policy he shared with the veteran left-winger.
“Left-wing isn’t necessarily progressive” he said. “Some left-wing things are more to do with class war.”
Voting for the Scottish party leadership closes on August 14 with the new leader will be announced on August 15.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here