Local SNP Patricia Gibson last week opened the Westminster debate at Prime Minister’s Questions with a question posed on the fiscal framework plans which were agreed between the UK and Scottish governments. In a rare opportunity to open the session with the coveted slot of “first question to the Prime Minister”, the local MP suggested that the UK government had proposed to take away £7Bn from the Scottish budget. The Prime Minister responded by saying the SNP were continuing the narrative of “grievance after a deal has been struck” and that “they should focus on governance” instead.
Local Scottish Conservative Jamie Greene, who also stood against Ms Gibson in last year’s General election said “Instead of asking Mr Cameron about how the UK government could help attract new investment or jobs to North Ayrshire, instead of inviting him to look at ways to boost the Ayrshire economy or propose any ambitions or ideas on how we can develop the pillars of manufacturing, service and business in this area – instead she chose to adhere to party whip and ask a grievance filled, fruitless question about the constitution and Scottish financing. Constitutional party rhetoric over doing something for the local community. The hallmarks of the SNP. It was a missed opportunity.”
He added “We have delivered the promises on devolution that all parties agreed. We are talking about Holyrood being one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world with control over £20bn tax powers. We are getting additional £2.7bn powers in welfare alone. To Patricia and the SNP I say -stop complaining and tell us what you are going to do with the powers you are getting-. Like many in our constituency, I am deeply concerned that the eyes of our SNP MPs are not on the ball. It truly was a missed chance to put Ayrshire on the political map."