RISING SCOTS UNEMPLOYMENT SHOWS NEED TO KICK START THE ECONOMY WITH TAX CUTS - CARMICHAEL

11.21.00am GMT Wed 12th Nov 2008

Commenting on today's figures showing that unemployment in Scotland has risen by 13,000, Liberal Democrat Shadow Scotland Secretary, Alistair Carmichael said:

"While Scotland's unemployment rate is still below the UK average, this will be little comfort to those who have lost their jobs.

"Government must now take urgent action to kick-start the economy. This means cutting taxes for low and middle incomes, to give people more money in their pockets and encourage consumer spending.

"The other parties now have no excuse not to support Liberal Democrat proposals for a 2p cut in Scottish income tax. This is something they can do right now to give real relief to Scots and help stop rising unemployment."