Debates between Michael Shanks and Stewart Malcolm McDonald during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Living Standards

Debate between Michael Shanks and Stewart Malcolm McDonald
Thursday 1st February 2024

(9 months, 3 weeks ago)

Westminster Hall
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Michael Shanks Portrait Michael Shanks
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I knew that would prompt something. I give way to the hon. Member for Glasgow South first.

Stewart Malcolm McDonald Portrait Stewart Malcolm McDonald
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I am glad that the hon. Gentleman is talking about economic competence. When the Scottish Labour leader described removing the cap on bankers’ bonuses as economically incompetent—he went further than that, saying that it was “economically illiterate and morally bankrupt”—was he right or wrong?

Michael Shanks Portrait Michael Shanks
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The leader of the Scottish Labour party—my good friend, Anas Sarwar—is always right. Of course, we opposed lifting the cap at the time. Since then, we have outlined that this is not the moment to bring it back, but we have very clearly said that bankers should be on notice that, if we see the behaviour that led to the cap in the first place, it would be very easy to implement it again.