MSPbacks recovery proposals

Rutherglen’s MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s 2021/2022 Programme for Government as an “ambitious” plan to begin the recovery from the pandemic.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled the programme saying “a better Scotland – as part of a better world – is waiting to be built”.

It’s backed by commitments to build 110,000 homes, double the Scottish Child Payment, build a new system of childcare for school age children, and fund 3500 additional and permanent teachers.

The programme also highlights that the First Minister will bring forward an independence referendum, if the pandemic permits, in the first half of the Parliament.

Clare Haughey, the MSP for Rutherglen, said: “This is an ambitious programme which has clear commitments to deliver a better life for people across Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

“It addresses the challenges the last 18 months has left us with, and it has the ambition needed to rebuild a better country as we recover.

“The programme also commits to continuing to sponsor Clyde Gateway, maintaining the Small Business Bonus scheme which is a lifeline for many local businesses.

“This meets the challenges and opportunities ahead and offers the people of Scotland the choice they deserve over their future.”

However, other parties slammed the proposals.

Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross said: “Nicola Sturgeon is giving us a new white paper for independence instead of a plan for jobs, a plan to tackle drug deaths or a plan for NHS recovery.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar stated: “Despite the SNP’s rhetoric, the only historic thing today is levels of poverty in our streets, the numbers waiting for treatment in our hospitals and the depth of the economic crisis facing our country.”