Sturgeon wants full fiscal autonomy for Scotland as soon as possible – even though that would cost £7.6 billion

Tonight’s second Scottish TV debate (which sadist scheduled them on consecutive nights?) threw up a very significant exchange between Nicola Sturgeon and Jim Murphy. The topic was “full fiscal autonomy” – essentially Scotland would raise all its own taxes and control all its own spending, junking the Barnett formula – something which Sturgeon tonight gave her full backing to.

15822014837_2ba3f76a26_o

That’s despite the fact that the independent IFS said such a move would cost Scotland £7.6 billion. Here’s the exchange from tonight’s debate:

NS: As Scotland’s voice in the next House of Commons if the SNP is there in numbers we’ll be arguing for as many powers to come to Scotland as possible.

JC: Just on the specific point of what you call full fiscal autonomy, when do you want that to come?

NS: I want that as quickly as the other parties agree to give it. You’d probably be better asking them when…

JM: Would you vote for it, would your MPs vote for it next year, for full fiscal autonomy?

NS: Yes, I would vote for it, would you support it?

JM: No, I wouldn’t. Absolutely not.

Is the Nationalist position that any amount of cuts to public services is justified as long as Scotland gets more powers?

More from LabourList

DONATE HERE

We provide our content free, but providing daily Labour news, comment and analysis costs money. Small monthly donations from readers like you keep us going. To those already donating: thank you.

If you can afford it, can you join our supporters giving £10 a month?

And if you’re not already reading the best daily round-up of Labour news, analysis and comment…

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DAILY EMAIL