Don't put country in a £20bn 'doom' loop

Scottish Labour leader's warning to watchdog

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ANAS Sarwar has launched an attack on a UK Government watchdog over fears it will land the country with £20billion of Budget tax rises.

The Scottish Labour leader has accused the Office of Budget Responsibility of a “doom loop” of negative stats and acting as a “hand brake” on growth.

He also said the OBR had to be careful it does not portray workers as “lazy” through official forecasts.

Sarwar made the comments on the eve of Labour's pivotal conference in Liverpool.

Scottish Labour are 17 points behind the SNP in the race for Holyrood and Sarwar is keen for momentum.

But senior party figures are worried about the UK Government's Budget in November and the likelihood of crippling tax rises.

Around £30billion of tax hikes might be needed, with £20billion of the total reportedly linked to upcoming economic forecasts by the OBR.

Labour figures worry the OBR projections could damage the goverment and deal a hammer blow to Sarwar’s chances of becoming First Minister.