Labour's "Real Rip Off" over Games investment

The SNP campaign today highlighted the real rip off being faced by the people of Glasgow as David Kerr called on Labour to explain why the UK Government has failed to hand over £300 million due to the city for regeneration.

The London Labour Government which is spending £12 billion on the Olympic Games, including Scottish lottery money, has refused to pay up £300
milllion in Barnett consequential that should come to Scotland and to Glasgow from the money being spent to regenerate the East End of London.

Where Labour’s by-election campaign has been built on fears and smears the SNP is fighting back with  evidence of real Labour neglect.

The SNP’s position is supported by the House of Lords Select Committee on the Barnett formula led by Labour peer Lord Richard who claimed the
formula had been by-passed and that £300 million should have been handed over by the Labour in London to Scotland and to Glasgow and by Labour in Wales.

SNP Candidate David Kerr said:

“This is Labour’s real rip off.  While they spend £12 billion on the Olympics there is nothing comeing from the Labour Government towards Glasgow’s games. Glasgow has been deprived of £300 million by the London Labour Government who refuse to pay up the money this city is due.

“Where regeneration money has been spent on London’s East End for the Olympics the UK Government should have paid the equivalent amount - £300 million -  to Scotland for the Glasgow games.

“Even Labour peers in the House of Lords agree.

“Why  shouldn’t Glasgow be treated the same as London?  Why is it Labour think they can short change Glasgow, but take your support for granted.
After 74 years of Labour rule this is the ultimate Labour rip-off  - no wonder they are trying to hide it behind a campaign of fears and smears.

“£300 million could make a major difference in this constituency and across the East End, investing in housing, improving high streets, and creating job opportunities.

“The SNP is meeting 80% of the costs of the Commonwealth Games and investing hundreds of  millions of pounds in regenerating the East End –
but Labour are keeping this city short changed.

“It is only a vote for the SNP, and a strong voice for Glasgow North East at Westminster that will turn London Labour’s “No” into a £300 million
YES."

Commenting on reports in today’s papers that Labour in London are also refusing to discuss Commonwealth Games legacy funding with the Scottish Government Mr Kerr added:

“Once again Labour is short changing Glasgow.  Labour slashed Scotland’s lottery money –money for good causes and great projects in this
constituency – to pay for the London Olympics.  Now they are refusing to talk to the Scottish Government about getting that same amount of money back – despite pretending to back the legacy campaign.  This is yet another disgrace from the Labour party.

“This Thursday voters have the chance to tell Labour enough is enough.  Glasgow North East deserves better than Labour’s deceit and
double-crossing and with an SNP MP this constituency will have a louder voice in London and in the city chambers to win back what Labour has tried to take away.”