SNP’s Katy challenges opponent to reject Labour’s ‘Jobs Tax’
by Katy Loudon, the SNP’s candidate in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, has called on the Labour candidate to “call out Labour’s tax hike for what it is … another broken promise that will cost the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse dearly.”
The Daily Record has reported that Labour peer, Lord Willie Haughey, who has donated over £2 million to Keir Starmer’s Labour, has warned unemployment will rise because of the Westminster Labour government’s decision to increase employer’s National Insurance Contributions to 15%.
The Labour Lord highlighted how his own customers who are making cuts to afford the National Insurance increase and said “there is nothing that we as Labour can point to that we have got right in the Budget.”
The tax hike is estimated to cost South Lanarkshire Council over £15 million, and Scotland’s wider public services £700 million.
Scotland’s third sector also face a £75 million hit, and universities expect to be facing up to £45 million of additional costs.
Meanwhile GP practices could be forced to close and businesses will have to pay an extra £850 on average, per employee.
Lord Haughey went on to say “I don’t know what group we haven’t fallen out with yet. So now we are going to fall out with the people who need the most help” regarding Labour’s planned £5 billion worth of cuts to support for disabled people.
Commenting on Lord Haughey’s remarks the SNP’s Katy Loudon said:
“Amid a cost-of-living crisis, Labour’s tax hike is the last thing ordinary people and local businesses need. It is yet another example of the Labour Party letting Scotland down.
“While I’m glad a senior Labour figure is acknowledging the harm being caused by this Labour government, many still remain silent – including Labour’s candidate in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
“Anyone seeking to represent this area must be the strongest voice on the issues that matter to the people here, and I know from my conversations with local charities and businesses that there is grave concern about the cost of Labour’s tax on jobs.
“I am absolutely clear that this tax hike must be scrapped. But will the Labour candidate stand up for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse and join me in my calls for Labour to u-turn on this preposterous decision?”