Scottish Leaders Urge Investment in Upcoming Budget

As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to announce her first UK Budget, calls for significant investment rather than austerity cuts are echoing from Scottish leaders, including First Minister John Swinney and Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Swinney urges the Chancellor to prioritize funding for public services and infrastructure projects like the Acorn carbon capture initiative to stimulate economic growth in Scotland. Sarwar emphasizes the need for any additional funds from Westminster to be responsibly allocated towards public services, warning against potential waste by SNP ministers. Amidst the backdrop of a £22 billion budget shortfall inherited from the previous Tory government, Sarwar insists on ending austerity and investing in critical sectors. Both leaders highlight the importance of addressing the economic challenges left by the former administration while also calling for a fair distribution of tax burdens. The outcome of Reeves's Budget is seen as a pivotal moment for Scotland's financial future.