Honesty is out of Fashion

Another week, another reminder of why trust in politics matters.

Labour have been caught red-handed using a fabricated quote in election material delivered to thousands of homes, including locally in Falkirk East and Linlithgow. The campaigner falsely quoted was right to ask a simple question: if they made that up, what else are they willing to lie about? Anas Sarwar has now apologised, but this is not an isolated incident.

We’ve seen this pattern before. From Labour’s false promise to “save Grangemouth” at the last election, to ministers Steve Reed and Michael Shanks being formally rebuked by the UK Statistics Authority for misrepresenting Scottish Water and NHS Scotland figures, the issue is credibility. Selective statistics, misleading comparisons and porkies dressed up as facts do real damage to public trust.

Contrast that with what’s happening in Scotland right now. Shona Robison’s Budget makes clear choices to strengthen the NHS and deliver the most comprehensive cost-of-living support available anywhere in the UK. It reflects engagement across Parliament and puts resources where they are needed most.

For that Budget to pass and deliver for families, it will require support from other parties. Labour have indicated they intend to abstain. Beyond misrepresenting Scotland, they appear to have no position at all.

Watch the video, judge the record, and decide who you trust to tell the truth and stand up for Scotland.