Darling faces Budget challenge

Mar 21 2010

Chancellor Alistair Darling has been challenged to meet four demands for a Budget that "benefits" Scotland.

SNP Finance Secretary John Swinney called for a guarantee there will be no further cuts, more accelerated spending, support for oil and gas and "clarity" for future Budgets.

Mr Swinney, who set out the demands in a letter, said: "With a UK election looming, this could be Alistair Darling's last chance to deliver a Budget that benefits Scotland.