The SNP has warned that independence is the only route out of Westminster’s cost of living crisis, accusing the UK Labour government of failing to deliver on its promises to struggling households.
Collette Stevenson MSP pointed to soaring energy bills and record food inflation as evidence that Labour has followed the same path as the Conservatives, leaving families across Scotland paying the price.
Since Labour took office, energy costs have risen by £150 in a year.
Food inflation remains at historic highs, while the ongoing impact of Brexit is forecast to cost the UK economy £40 billion and cut productivity by four per cent.
Stevenson said people in Scotland were “scunnered” after years of inaction and broken pledges from Westminster.
“After years of inaction from both Labour and the Tories, Scotland’s only solution to the Westminster‑made cost of living crisis is the full powers of independence,” she said.
“Scots have endured rising energy bills, a slashing of vital social security and the crippling impact of Brexit on household expenses, from groceries to car insurance.
“After more than a decade of economic mismanagement by the Tories, the Labour government has shown Scotland they are no better, following the Tories’ own fiscal rules that are making Scots poorer.
“They promised a £300 reduction on energy bills.
“Instead, they have soared by £150 since Labour took office.”
The SNP said the Scottish Government had acted where it could, with most Scots paying less income tax than in England, council tax bills lower on average, and policies unique to Scotland such as the Scottish Child Payment.
But Stevenson argued that only full control of economic and fiscal levers would allow Scotland to deliver the kind of transformative change seen in other small European nations.
“Westminster has shown that, under its watch, the cost of living crisis has no end,” she said.
“With full economic and fiscal powers, our small, independent European neighbours are happier, healthier and wealthier than we are, so why not Scotland?”
