Sunak urged to help economy as Ross unveils eight-point plan
Douglas Ross has urged Rishi Sunak to help grow the Scottish economy and unveiled his eight-point UK Budget plan.
The Scottish Tory leader has written to the Chancellor setting out eight key priorities for rebuilding Scotland’s economy as he praised the UK government funding so far as a “lifeline to many individuals and families”.
The priorities include confirmed freeport funding, a city deal funding boost, extending the £20 Universal Credit uplift and backing key infrastructure projects through the UK shared prosperity fund.
And last night, it was revealed that Mr Sunak is set to extend the furlough scheme until the end of September in today's Budget.
The Chancellor said the scheme – which pays 80 per cent of workers' wages – would help millions through "the challenging months ahead".
Moray MP Mr Ross also stressed the importance of the whisky and fishing sectors, after a crisis that has seen many in the seafood industry forced to dump stock due to issues caused by Brexit.
Now calling for a larger postbrexit fishing fund, Mr Ross also asked the Chancellor to consider cutting spirits duty to counter the impact of US export tariffs.
In his letter sent January 22, he said: “Over the past ten months, the strength of the UK Treasury has supported around one million Scottish jobs, 90,000 business and provided an additional £8.6 billion [now £9.7bn] in funding for the Scottish Government.
“This backing has been crucial in supporting Scotland’s efforts to battle Covid-19, providing a lifeline to many individuals and families, and delivering a safety net for businesses the length and breadth off the country over the most difficult of years.
Mr Ross also backed the building of zero emission buses to reduce pollution and secure jobs, as well as measures to evolve the North Sea oil and gas industry, which supports
over 100,000 jobs. He said: “The pandemic has shown us that Scotland's place in the UK has been vital in securing jobs and businesses and protecting the most vulnerable in society.
"We have benefited from almost £10bn of extra funding as well as Uk-wide support schemes such as furlough.
"While the sleazy SNP rip themselves apart and plot to separate Scotland from the rest of the UK, my Budget asks
are all about how best to support and grow the Scottish economy as we emerge from the pandemic.
"The Chancellor has an incredibly tough job, but I am confident he will continue to deliver for the people of Scotland."
Mr Sunak will make the annual Budget statement around midday today. The UK’S business secretary yesterday appeared to confirm the furlough scheme will be extended beyond the end of April.
Kwasi Kwarteng also suggested the VAT cut for hospitality firms would continue "while lockdown persists".
Mr Sunak is also expected to announce more than £57 million of investment in jobs and green energy in Scotland in his Budget. He is also set to commit £27m for the Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone.