Scottish budget impasse must be resolved quickly

Holyrood’s decision to vote down the budget bill will undoubtedly lead to further debate and discussion over the coming days about the detail of the devolved administration’s spending proposals. What is clear though is that at a time when the country is witnessing a sharp economic downturn, parliament needs to come to the aid of our hard-pressed businesses and help their cash flow and order books through measures such as the cutting of business rates and the acceleration of public sector capital spending.

This impasse over the budget must be resolved speedily. Our politicians need to get round the table and thrash out a deal, so that the Scottish Parliament passes a budget that provides businesses with the certainty and stability they crave. Every day of delay and uncertainty is bad for business.