EAST LOTHIAN SNP LEFT RED FACED AFTER CAMPAIGNING ON ILLEGAL BUS PLAN

We’ve just got a copy of this news release. On the face of it this is disappointing news, but perhaps not unsurprising. Some political mileage is going to be extracted by the opposition parties, but this should not distract any of the parties from finding short and longer term solutions. But what do members think?

NEWS RELEASE FROM JIM HUME MSP

Jim Hume, South of Scotland MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson, has criticised the SNP in East Lothian for misleading local people on the cuts to bus services imposed by the SNP government.

Local SNP candidates for the council elections have claimed that the First Minister Alex Salmond backs their plan to establish a council trading company to take control of bus services.

But their own SNP Transport Minister Keith Brown confirmed in a radio interview that this plan is not possible as the “law prevents [councils] from doing that, directly intervening in the market in that way.”

Commenting, Mr Hume said:

“Not only has the SNP caused chaos by cutting the Bus Service Operators Grant which has led to slashed services and increased fares but now they are misleading people over plans to secure local services.

“Local SNP candidates are campaigning saying that their First Minister backs there plan to establish a council run bus service, while their own Transport Minister is on the radio saying it is against the law.

“Trying to pull the wool over the eyes of people in East Lothian who are genuinely concerned about the cuts to local bus services is shameful.

“Rather than pretending that the SNP didn’t cause the problem in the first place and coming up with half-baked plans, the SNP should focus on what can be done to save local routes and guard against fare increases.

“There is extra money available from Westminster following the UK budget and the SNP should use this money to reduce the impact of their cuts.

“That is an option available to them right now. It doesn’t break the bank, and it doesn’t break the law.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Please find attached a campaign poster that the SNP are distributing in East Lothian. It is based on the local SNP plans to establish a council run bus service.

The SNP have boasted that the First Minister supports these plans. Cllr Stuart Currie said:

“It is good news Scotland’s First Minister has lent his support to our plans for a local bus service when First bus pulls out.”
But SNP Transport Minister told the BBC Radio Scotland Call Kaye programme on Tuesday 17th April that:

Keith Brown: “I don’t think anybody is supporting the position of the council running the buses… “
Presenter: “Why have you dismissed the idea of council running buses?”
Keith Brown: “Councils aren’t allowed to run buses. The law prevents them from doing that, directly intervening in the market in that way.”

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