A RADICAL vision is needed to fight against Labour’s programme of “Austerity 2.0,” Plaid Cymru told delegates at the SNP’s annual conference in Edinburgh today.
The call came after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned that his government’s first Budget in October will be “painful.”
Speaking at the Scottish National Party conference, Plaid Cymru economy spokesman Luke Fletcher said that both a return to austerity measures and the threat of the far-right must be stopped by taking “a radical vision for real, ambitious and deliverable change” over the next 18 months ahead of the devolved parliament elections in 2026.
The MS said: “Labour have chosen — and it is a choice — to stick with Osbornomics, to double down on a failed economic model which has slashed investment and hollowed out our communities.
“Austerity 2.0: bought, signed, sealed and delivered by and for the vested interests that are very happy with and profit from the status quo.
“And let’s be in no doubt: there are those who will look to exploit — who are already exploiting — the further hardship and suffering that Labour’s austerity will cause in our communities.
“The snake-oil salesmen of the far-right are looking to sow and deepen division.”
Mr Fletcher also spoke about his party’s plans for “overturning 25 years of economic stagnation” under Welsh Labour by “delivering economic renewal through setting measurable and ambitious targets for an economy that prioritises decent work, sustainability, and economic wellbeing.”
He also reaffirmed Plaid Cymru’s “productive working relationship” with the Scottish government, saying: “SNP Scottish governments have led the way in showing that there is a different, more progressive path to follow.
“From the Scottish Child Payment to the community right to buy, the baby box to free personal and nursing care: we have and will continue to learn from our sister party.
“As we look to Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections in 2026, we do so facing joint challenges and opportunities.
“We will continue to work together — in Westminster and beyond — to secure the fairer funding that Wales and Scotland are owed, and our shared right to determine our own constitutional destinies.
“We will continue to build our shared vision of Wales and Scotland as progressive, independent nations, claiming their place in the European and global family of nations.”
