Scottish Labour could call the SNP’s bluff on income tax | Owen Jones

Labour's plans for a 1p income tax hike in Scotland would provide an alternative to austerity and help the party reclaim the torch of social justice from the SNP

Politics is often as much about sentiments as substance. Few political forces understand this better than the Scottish National party. It has successfully portrayed the Scottish Labour party as the establishment, even though the SNP booted Labour out of power in 2007. It has cultivated an image of being firmly on the left and opposing cuts even though - with the commendable exception of limited land reform - it has thus far failed to redistribute wealth and power. The independence referendum politicised Scotland, and the SNP has harnessed that energy: the party is exciting and inspires its supporters. Its fired-up grassroots base passionately defends its record from all criticism, including, undoubtedly, this one.

Related: Labour pushes 1p tax rise in Scotland

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