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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Laura Pollock

'A new direction': Scottish Labour briefing notes revealed

SCOTTISH Labour's MSPs and MPs are to tell voters "Scotland's best days and years lie ahead of us" in a party messaging revamp, according to an internal party document seen by The National.

A topical briefing note mistakenly sent to all who work in the Scottish Parliament addresses the two-child cap and Waspi women scandal while setting out the party's "new direction" slogan.

Scottish Labour ditched “change” for “new direction" after a series of unpopular decisions by the new Government – from scrapping the Winter Fuel Payment and keeping the two-child benefit cap to ditching compensation for Waspi women.

Leader Anas Sarwar has previously refused to blame Westminster policies and colleagues south of the Border for causing a collapse in support for Scottish Labour.

The note says: "In 16 months' time Scotland will face a choice - do we continue with the managed decline under the SNP or do we change direction? It is clear to see that this SNP is not the party that it was - it has lost its way, has run of steam and run out of ideas, is now incompetent in Government and is bad with your money.

"The SNP came to power in 2007 promising to improve lives, but instead, we've seen services crumble, institutions weaken, and communities left behind."

It adds: "In 2026 Scottish Labour will change that, because Scotland's best days and years lie ahead of us, but only if we are willing to chart a new direction together."

Under the heading "Scotland's Quango Culture", the party puts focus on organisations which the Scottish Government has devolved power to.

The notes calls the "sprawling network of unelected public bodies" a "growing bureaucratic monster". 

"These so-called quangos were created to manage everything from healthcare to education, but far too often they've done more to complicate and obstruct than to improve services," the note states.

It goes on to set out Scottish Labour's position on the upcoming Budget vote. 

"If the SNP government set out how it will deliver the lifting of the two child cap in this year alongside new investment, then Scottish Labour will vote for the budget.

"The fact is that the SNP are not saying they will lift the two child cap this year, only that they will explore it."

If this demand is not met, Sarwar has confirmed his party would abstain on the Scottish Budget vote.

Sarwar previously voiced disappointment at the UK Government’s choice on the Waspi women, and the party note said "an apology from the Government is not enough".

It adds: "In recognising this injustice, Scottish Labour are clear that we believe there should have been a compromise position that would have allowed for some form of compensation for the WASPI women most adversely impacted by this long-running Government failure.

"We continue to support the UK Government's focus on fixing the economic mess it inherited from the last Tory government, and believe the injustice suffered by WASPI women should be addressed by the Government.

"Scottish Labour will continue to urge our colleagues to look again at the Ombudsman's report and its recommendations".

Later, the party note gives representatives the key line on "NHS in crisis": "Patients and staff are being failed by this tired and incompetent SNP Government that has cause the crisis in out NHS. Scotland needs a new direction". 

It goes on to say: "Now, across Scotland, A&E departments are at breaking point, with patients facing unacceptably long waits and reports of ambulances queuing up outside hospitals."

The "new direction" for Scottish Labour appears as damage control after several polls show a plummet in support. One recent poll showed voters think the UK Labour Government are “incompetent” and “dishonest”.

Labour is predicated to be currently losing voters to Reform, the Conservatives, and the SNP.

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