CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT EXTENSION NEEDED

Whilst a welcome intervention, the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme has unfortunately left too many people behind, and I therefore again called for more comprehensive support to ensure no-one falls through the cracks. It is unfortunate that the Chancellor is set to reduce this support as of 01st August, whilst the newly employed, contract workers, freelancers and many more have been left behind through this crisis.

I also called for targeted support to help island communities through this crisis, who have been hit extra hard due to the impact on the tourism sector and transport restrictions to our islands. We need our islands to be economically sustainable so more support is needed to help them through these difficult times.

I also highlighted the constraints on the Scottish Government, which is extremely limited in its ability to borrow, and called for more powers for Scotland so that it has the financial flexibility it needs during these dark times. You can watch my contribution below.