Hannah Bardell

I have campaigned long and hard over the last two years to protect and promote jobs in the Livingston constituency.

I have repeatedly raised the issue of job losses at HMRC and other local firms, including Jabil and Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon) at Westminster and amongst the wider business community.

I challenged Theresa May directly at PMQs on the Tories’ plans to close our HMRC offices but to no avail. Despite widespread criticism from the National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee, and Livingston having the most engaged and productive staff, the government intends to continue with this flawed policy and move jobs elsewhere.

I have worked closely with West Lothian Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to boost opportunities in West Lothian and help promote our area as a great place to live, work and do business.

Our economy is already feeling the affects of Brexit and, if Scotland is taken out of the single market, it could cost 80,000 jobs, see salaries cut and workers’ rights threatened. Scotland needs a strong voice in opposition to hold the Government to account.

We’re calling for a targeted reduction in National Insurance to encourage employers to increase staff and an increase in Annual Investment Allowance from £200k to £1 million to encourage firms to invest in plant and machinery.

The SNP is the only party with the strength and vision to ensure local jobs are protected and your voice is heard.