Former General Secretary of the STUC Campbell Christie endorsed Holyrood controlling the majority of taxes in Scotland in order to grow Scotland’s economy.

His comments were welcomed by SNP Treasury spokesman Stewart Hosie MP who said the debate on fiscal powers was moving firmly in Scotland and the SNP’s direction as more and more people rejected the limited proposals of the Calman Commission.

In an article published yesterday Scotland's former leading trade unionist stated:

“I believe the time has come for Scotland’s government to be given control over the majority of taxes that are levied in Scotland, including income tax and corporation tax, along with the power to borrow to ensure that we, as a country, continue to invest in those activities that will achieve our long- term economic success.”

He continues

“It is difficult to overstate the severity of the challenges that lie
ahead for our economy and our society. It is incumbent upon us all to ensure that the weakest and most vulnerable in our society do not once again bear the devastating costs of an economic crisis that was certainly not their making. I am convinced that giving Scotland’s government control over the main fiscal levers of economic policy is essential if our economy is to grow faster, if unemployment is to be minimised, and if our vital public services retained as we all wish these to be.

I believe that now is the time for the Scottish Parliament to take the next vital step in its growing maturity. The time now has come for Scotland’s devolved administration to be given the type of fiscal responsibility it needs to ensure that our economic health as a country can be restored as quickly as possible.”

Dundee East MP Stewart  Hosie said:

“This is a very welcome and important contribution to the case for fiscal responsibility.

“Campbell Christie is a highly respected figure in the trade union
movement and on the left of Scottish politics.  His emphasis on the role of fiscal responsibility in securing jobs, public services and economic growth shows the importance of tax powers in delivering social justice and protecting our public services from harsh spending cuts.

“Campbell Christie is part of a growing consensus who see that the Calman proposals are not enough and the priority must be Scotland gaining the powers needed to grow the economy so we can build economic prosperity for all.

“His comments this weekend join those of businessmen Martin Gilbert, Jim McColl, Tom Farmer and Dan MacDonald as well as increasing numbers of economists that the proposals in Calman are insufficient and only real financial responsibility for the Scottish Parliament will fully deliver for Scotland’s economy.”