The SNP has said Rishi Sunak must “focus on the cost of living – not taking tents away from homeless people” on the eve of the King’s Speech.
Drew Hendry MP warned “Westminster is pushing Scots into poverty – and leaving millions to fend for themselves as the Tories tank the UK economy and send the cost of living soaring”.
The SNP’s Economy spokesperson challenged both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer to back SNP calls for key cost of living powers to be transferred to the Scottish Parliament, and for immediate UK government action to help families – including delivering a £400 energy bill rebate, introducing mortgage interest tax relief and taking action to tackle soaring food prices.
Commenting, the SNP’s Economy spokesperson, Drew Hendry MP said:
“As millions of families across Scotland see their incomes hammered by the Westminster-made cost of living crisis, it beggars belief that the biggest Tory policy announcement ahead of the King’s Speech is taking tents away from homeless people.
“Families are suffering as a result of UK government incompetence, but all the Tories have to offer is more attacks on the most vulnerable instead of real help for the majority of families who are seeing their mortgages, rent, energy bills and cost of living soar through the roof.
“Rishi Sunak must focus on the cost of living – not taking tents away from homeless people.
“With neither Sunak or Starmer willing to offer any real help for families, and both Westminster parties ruling out support for SNP calls for a £400 energy bill rebate, mortgage interest tax relief, and action on food prices – it’s clear no change is possible under Westminster control.
“Westminster is pushing Scots into poverty – and leaving millions to fend for themselves as the Tories tank the UK economy and send the cost of living soaring.
“Scotland needs the permanent transfer of powers over energy, employment and the economy so we can act where Westminster has failed, by delivering sustained economic growth and boosting household incomes.
“Independent European nations like Ireland, Denmark and Sweden are wealthier and fairer than the UK – so the question is: why not Scotland?
“With every day the Tories and the Labour Party fail to act, and refuse to let Scotland have the powers we need, they are making the case for independence.
“Only with the full powers of independence can Scotland secure the wealthier and fairer future people want.”
