The SNP has said the Tories “have completely abandoned people in Scotland” – after the King’s Speech contained no help with the cost of living and no new powers for the Scottish Parliament.
Ahead of the King’s Speech, Stephen Flynn MP had called for the transfer of powers over energy, employment and the economy to enable the Scottish Parliament to go further to help families with the cost of living and boost economic growth – but the Tories have delivered no new powers at all.
With the SNP helping families with a council tax freeze and progressive policies like the Scottish Child Payment, the SNP Westminster Leader had also called for urgent UK government action on the cost of living – including a £400 energy bill rebate, mortgage interest tax relief and action to reduce food prices – but the Tory legislative agenda contained no help with the cost of living at all for Scottish households.
Commenting, SNP Economy spokesperson Drew Hendry MP said:
“This threadbare King’s Speech shows the Tories are bereft of ideas and have completely abandoned people in Scotland.
“While the SNP is helping families with a council tax freeze and progressive policies like the Scottish Child Payment, the Tories are offering no help at all with the cost of living and no new powers for the Scottish Parliament – showing why independence is essential to deliver economic growth and boost household incomes.
“Millions of households in Scotland are suffering from a Westminster-made cost of living crisis. With Sunak and Starmer wedded to Brexit, Tory cuts and economic decline, it’s clear independence is the only way for Scotland to build a wealthier and fairer future.
“Independent European nations like Scotland are wealthier and fairer than the UK – so the question is, why not Scotland?”
