The Tories have been challenged to outline what Scottish businesses they believe should lose money after a “rash and thoughtless” attack on the Scottish Government’s business support package.
Jackson Carlaw (pictured) has today (Sunday) complained that the Scottish Government has not merely mimicked the package of support offered in England.
Doing so would mean hundreds of businesses in Scotland would lose out on a £10k grant and tailored schemes for seafood and fishing sectors, aviation and the creative industries would be scrapped.
Commenting, SNP MSP George Adam said:
“Businesses are under enormous pressure because of coronavirus, and it’s essential that we support as many firms through this crisis as possible.
“The Scottish Government is passing on every penny to business that we receive as a consequence of the UK government schemes.
“But if Scotland simply copied the system in England it would mean hundreds of firms, and specific industries important to the Scottish economy, would lose out.
“Unlike the UK government, the Scottish Government cannot simply borrow more money to fund these schemes.
“If Jackson Carlaw wants to increase the funding to some businesses, he needs to spell out what other firms he thinks should lose out – otherwise this is simply a rash and thoughtless attack on vital funding.
“The hundreds of businesses receiving lifeline support from the Scottish Government will not thank the Tories for playing politics with their livelihoods.”
