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Scottish Labour must see SNP is to their left

Monday 07 May 2012

Maria Fyfe (M Star April 30) calls for "a thorough examination of the likelihood of Scottish left-wing rule" in an independent Scotland.

However rather than investigate that possibility, she instead engages in a moan-athon typical of many members of the Labour Party in Scotland who can't come to terms with the fact that the SNP, though by no means left-wing, is still to the left of Labour.

Consider the political balance sheet.

Labour bombed Yugoslavia, invaded Iraq, spent billions on Trident, introduced fees for higher education and, in Scotland, opposed proposals for free school meals and prescriptions - Bills introduced to the Scottish parliament by the Scottish Socialist Party.

In contrast, the SNP opposed the above-noted military adventures as well as the madness of Trident and, since gaining power in Scotland, has abolished prescription charges and fees for higher education.

Both parties, of course, have snuggled up to billionaires, supported the invasion of Afghanistan and, as Ms Fyfe points out, the SNP wishes to cut corporation tax.

How inconvenient for her that Labour did precisely that while in government!

The Labour Party in Scotland, faced with dwindling support, has latterly decided that free prescriptions and fee-free higher education are good things after all.

If the accusation is of "left posturing," Labour is undoubtedly the guiltier party

Finally the suggestion that Tories vote SNP to keep a right-wing Labour Party out of government and usher in progressive policies is quite a laugh.

I've never had much respect for the Tories, but I really didn't think they were that stupid.

I'm indebted to Ms Fyfe for enlightening me.

David Stevenson
Cambuslang

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