Tories say building sites here should be opening

A Tory MSP has urged the SNP to give housebuilding the green light with construction returning south of the border.

The UK government allowed work to recommence on building sites last week, meaning firms across England can continue projects so long as they can do so safely.

However, Nicola Sturgeon has refused to follow suit, with construction sites here still closed.

Now Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson is supporting his party’s call for work to start again to avoid “Scotland’s housing crisis” deepening further.

He said: “This needless delay by the SNP is only going to make the crisis worse.

“The further Scotland lags behind under the SNP, the more people are going to miss out on the opportunity of moving into a home that’s either under construction or in planning. What’s more, the construction industry and all the trades associated will risk plunging deeper into financial disaster, and many won’t come back.

“The industry has said it can return to work safely and that’s what’s now happening elsewhere in the UK.

“It’s time for the SNP to listen to the experts and follow suit.”

Companies including Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon have already expressed their desire to get back to work in Scotland, saying rota systems to ensure social distances had been devised, along with other safety measures.

But the SNP government is so far standing firm.

East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani said the Scottish government was putting the health and safety of its citizens first.

She told the News: “There are still too many people dying from COVID-19 and we are all trying to do our bit to save the NHS from being overwhelmed.

“Perhaps Mr Simpson would be better asking his boss in London whether he has compelling evidence that he’s not putting people at risk.

“The Scottish Government relies on scientific data and such decisions are under review constantly, however to deviate from the current guidance at this stage would risk more lives being lost.

“For good reason our message in Scotland cannot be any clearer – Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.”