THE reality of a Tory-DUP Brexit has started to hit home for many of the UK’s citizens. Consumer confidence has hit a slump not seen since directly after the referendum result last year.
Inflation hit its highest level in four years in May. Combine this with the now bleak prospects of our future in Europe being negotiated by a Tory government propped up by a backroom deal with the DUP, and it’s no wonder people are starting to feel less confident about the future.
Consumer confidence has been gradually dwindling since last Autumn, but the sudden drop seen earlier this month can only show that confidence in the future economy and confidence in the new minority Conservative government are undeniably intertwined.
Who could blame people for being sceptical of the UK Government’s ability to negotiate Brexit? Their deal with the DUP stopped short of negotiation and settled on straightforward bribery.
I don’t, in any way, grudge funding to the people of Northern Ireland. I do take exception though to a billion pounds being handed over, with no Barnett consequentials, to add a little extra time onto Theresa Mays grip on power.
If Scotland were to receive the equivalent sum, it would account for nearly a five per cent increase in the Scottish discretionary budget, according to the Fraser of Allander Institute. This is not an insignificant amount.
It’s not completely unusual for money to be allocated outside of Barnett for infrastructure projects- but these are usually specific, single projects with defined aims and economic benefits. The money provided to the DUP has an element of their own discretion to it, which worryingly allows them an opportunity for self-promotion while Northern Ireland is going through a fragile political time.
The DUP were never going to vote against the Tories on matters of confidence in any event, much less install Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister. This is a totally unnecessary surrender of power.
And who’s to say this sum is the total amount the DUP will claim? We may find ourselves in the situation where the party of government is being held to ransom to be able to pass the budget, such are the negotiating skills available amongst the top brass of the Conservative Party. If anyone ever had any reason to doubt Theresa May’s incompetence, surely this situation enforces it. It would not be surprising if consumer confidence were to fall further as a result of her appalling attitude to government.
The SNP will fight for Scotland’s share of the money. We will always fight for increased funding to mitigate Tory policies and improve lives for people in Scotland, and improve confidence for the future. We will always fight for more powers for Scotland. We won’t take ‘There’s no money’ for an answer. There’s always money when the UK Government needs to save face. Almost like it grows on a magic tree.
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Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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