UK GOVERNMENT MUST CLARIFY FURLOUGH SUPPORT FOR FUTURE LOCKDOWNS

It is disgraceful that, despite MPs across the political spectrum and throughout the UK repeatedly seeking clarity from the UK Government that the furlough scheme will be available in the event of any future lockdowns, uncertainty remains.

Despite the Prime Minister appearing to guarantee this support, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has rowed back on this commitment, creating chaos and confusion that is detrimental to jobs and businesses in Scotland, as well as undermining efforts to tackle the public health crisis.

I called on Stephen Barclay, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to apologise for this confusion and repeated calls for the Chancellor to urgently meet with the Scottish Finance Secretary to address this matter.

You can watch the exchange below.