In her first column of 2025, Pam Gosal MSP shares her concerns over the future of Scotland’s economy, emphasizing that the country cannot afford another budget from the SNP or Labour. As the new year begins, Gosal extends warm wishes to her constituents in West Scotland, but her optimism quickly turns to criticism of the current political landscape.
A Bleak Start to 2025
While many would expect a fresh start to the year filled with optimism and bold plans, Gosal notes that the political climate in Scotland has left many people feeling apprehensive. In her view, this unease is due to the “chaotic” SNP government, now in its 18th year in power, and the disillusionment with the new Labour government at Westminster.
Gosal argues that both parties have failed to put forward policies that would make a meaningful difference for hardworking people. Instead, she laments that recent political decisions, such as cuts to vital winter fuel payments for vulnerable pensioners and tax increases that hurt Scotland’s economic growth, have left many disappointed.
The SNP Budget: A Recipe for Disaster?
For Gosal, the upcoming Scottish budget is another critical moment where the SNP’s policies will hurt taxpayers and small businesses. Having opposed several of the SNP’s recent policies, such as the short-term lets licence and visitor levy, which she believes will have long-lasting negative effects on the tourism and hospitality sectors, Gosal is steadfast in her opposition to the SNP’s fiscal approach.
In her eyes, the SNP’s approach to governance has resulted in high taxes and low growth. This, she argues, is not sustainable and will harm the economy in the long run. She emphasizes that the Scottish Conservatives are the only party providing a strong opposition to the SNP, highlighting the contrast with the Labour Party, which she accuses of complacency and failure to challenge the SNP on key issues.
Labour’s Complicity and the Call for Change
Gosal is particularly critical of Scottish Labour, arguing that the party has failed to stand up to the SNP or to push for meaningful change. She points to Labour’s decision to abstain on the upcoming Scottish budget as evidence that they are no longer a party of real opposition or progress for Scotland.
According to Gosal, Labour’s alliance with the SNP on important votes, such as those related to gender reforms and the Hate Crime Act, exposes their inability to enact substantial change. She warns that Scotland cannot afford another budget that continues to impose high taxes without fostering growth.
A Call for Common-Sense Solutions
In 2025, Gosal and the Scottish Conservatives are committed to advocating for a “common-sense” approach that prioritizes the needs of businesses and ordinary Scots. She urges fellow MSPs from all opposition parties to join in rejecting the SNP’s proposed budget, calling for a shift in fiscal policy that will provide a more sustainable and growth-oriented future for Scotland.
For Gosal, the West of Scotland deserves better than the current offerings from both the SNP and Labour, and it’s time for a change in direction.
