Everyone agrees that cuts in public spending are necessary. Everyone also agrees that we could do with a better and more candid class of politician. And everyone should agree that we could do with better newspapers too. It’s budget week here in Scotland and that means there’s the chance to preview some of arguments that are going to be had at Westminster next year.
So how does the Scottish Daily Mail report the SNP’s budget? With the splash: CUTS AT HOME, CASH FOR AFRICA. How charming. Apparently As SNP budget paves way for savage cuts in housing, transport and education, Salmond finds extra millions for pet foreign aid projects.
You have to read as far as the 21st paragraph to discover that the foreign aid budget will increase from £6m to a whopping £9m next year. Now this may not be the most pressing mater for the Scottish government, but nor can any sensible person consider it anything more than a single peanut in a £35bn budget.
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