# RUSSELL FINDLAY: Andy Burnham has bottled it with a damp squib budget… and with SNP up next, it could be a Nightmare Before Christmas for Scots

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/russell-findlay-andy-burnham-has-bottled-it-with-a-damp-squib-budget-and-with-snp-up-next-it-could-be-a-nightmare-before-christmas-for-scots/
- Published: 2026-10-28T19:31:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-28T20:49:23+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16246971/Russell-FindlayAndy-Burnham-bottled-damp-squib-budget.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Findlay says Labour’s Budget lacked decisive action.
- UK social security spending is forecast to reach £431 billion by 2031-32.
- He warns taxes and energy policy could hurt Scottish industries.

## Summary

Conservative leader Russell Findlay argues that Labour’s Budget failed to address weak economic growth, rising welfare costs and pressure on Scottish industries. He says the measures were too limited after years of tax rises and warns that Scotland could face further difficulties under the SNP.

Findlay cites a forecast that UK social security spending will reach £431 billion by 2031-32, and criticises Scotland’s devolved benefits system. He also points to the continued energy profits levy through September 2029, job losses in oil and gas, higher taxes on whisky, and the extension of the fuel duty freeze. The article ends mid-sentence as Findlay turns to the SNP.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.