Theresa’s failing our firms, says Newlands

Two Paisley politicians have blasted Theresa May’s Queen’s speech, saying it doesn’t give businesses in Renfrewshire any reassurances over Brexit.

The UK’s Conservative government will focus heavily on Britain’s exit from the EU in the coming parliament.

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said the speech will do little to build confidence in the local business community.

He said: “Theresa May is in office, but clearly not in power — she is a lame duck Prime Minister, leading a lame duck government.

“I know from my work as a constituency MP that Renfrewshire businesses are wanting certainty as to what Brexit will mean for them.

“They are wanting action to try and turn around the faltering economy, but this Queen’s Speech fails to deliver that.

“The Tories may have given up on the day job of governing, but I will work alongside my SNP colleagues in pushing for an alternative to austerity that delivers for everyone in Renfrewshire.”

His concerns were echoed by MP Mhairi Black, who says the Tories plan to maintain their damaging policy of austerity.

The SNP representative for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, said: “The Queen’s Speech will do little to inspire my constituents in Paisley and Renfrewshire South.

“It is quite clear that Theresa May is committed to continuing the austerity agenda and it is also clear that this is not working for Renfrewshire.

“From an increase in Foodbank use and working families who are struggling to make ends meet, it is clear that austerity measures are having a detrimental impact throughout the county.”