Scot Lib Dems respond to Scottish Labour budget abstention

Responding to Anas Sarwar's announcement that Scottish Labour will abstain on the forthcoming Scottish budget, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Labour’s decision confirms once and for all that there will be no early election. This was always very unlikely and that’s why all along Scottish Liberal Democrats have sought to shape the budget to unpick some of the damage caused by years of SNP neglect.

“You can already see significant Liberal Democrat demands baked into the pages of the budget’s first draft. There is the reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Allowance for pensioners, spending on social care, affordable homes, family carers, additional support needs, GPs, dentists, long covid, the Belford Hospital in Fort William and Edinburgh’s Eye Pavilion.

“There is no deal at present, our support is not guaranteed, but we continue to negotiate with the government and expect more talks in the coming days.”