Latest relaunch shows Labour's cupboard is bare

Speaking following a statement today by the Prime Minister on the UK Government’s legislative programme for next year, SNP Westminster Treasury spokesperson, Stewart Hosie MP, has said Labour’s cupboard is bare.

Mr Hosie said:

"Gordon Brown is out of touch and out of ideas, and this preview of the legislative programme shows just how bare Labour’s cupboard now is.

"On welfare reform, Gordon Brown’s announcement is just another rehash of what Labour have been promising for the last ten years, but never getting round to delivering. I don’t think people will be holding their breath.

"Likewise on education we have another education bill less that 24 hrs after third reading of the previous one, and it will be the fourth immigration bill in as many years.

"While it is likely we will be able to welcome some of the Banking Bill, the Bill itself is only necessary because of the flaws identified in banking regulation and supervision thrown up by the Northern Rock debacle.

"Gordon Brown’s proposals on immigration are already starting to unravel as it already seems unlikely he will be able to levy his proposed migration impact fund charge on EU citizens.

"On other legislative areas the UK Government is playing catch up with the Scottish Government.

"For their proposed Community Empowerment Bill the SNP already has its historic agreement with Local Authorities, on NHS reform the SNP are already proposing direct election to Health boards, and on housing they have already abolished the right to buy on new council housing builds.

"Even on distributing seized profits from organised crime, Scotland is ahead of the curve with its CashBack for communities scheme.

"The Prime Minister is re-hashing welfare reform, immigration and education and many of his proposals will have no impact, or where they do, they will not deliver the objectives the Prime Minister seeks – its cauld kale reheated."