Scottish and Welsh leaders say tax cuts for rich are ‘moral bankruptcy’

Nicola Sturgeon’s government is likely to retain a higher top tax rate in next year’s budget. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA Media

The Scottish and Welsh governments have heavily criticised Kwasi Kwarteng’s tax cuts for the wealthy, opening up a deep gulf over taxation policies in different parts of the UK.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, described the UK chancellor’s decision on Friday to abolish the 45p top rate of income tax as “moral bankruptcy”, by helping the wealthiest, hammering the pound’s value and increasing public borrowing.