MSPS agree to make next Holyrood term all about post-pandemic recovery

THE next Holyrood term should make recovering from the effects of Covid-19 its focus, MSPS have agreed.

A motion submitted by Labour economy spokesperson Monica Lennon, putting the focus on “rebuilding the economy for all of Scotland after the Covid-19 pandemic and addressing the structural inequalities that the pandemic has exposed in society”, was passed by MSPS by 84 votes to 34.

An amendment tabled by Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said that to properly address the problems caused by the pandemic, the Scottish Parliament must be in control of employment law.

“We need a recovery that puts people first, especially all those key workers who have kept the country going and those most effected by the harms of lockdown,” Ms Lennon said.

“Scottish Labour will go into the election to put forward the case for doing things differently because Scotland has been unequal for too long.

“I’m confident we will get through the storm of Covid together but we need to enact bold change and pursue a green recovery that leaves no-one behind.

“As the country heads to the polls in 64 days, the vision for reshaping our economy and society should be front and centre.

“We are determined the next Parliament should be about rebuilding and reshaping the economy to build a people’s recovery that delivers fairness for all.”

Mr Hepburn, whose amendment passed by 84 votes to 33, said: “This Government will stand on its record, what we have achieved, but we will also stand on our ambitions, what more can be done. This Government will continue to do all we can with the powers that we have to deliver a fair, inclusive and green recovery but will also continue to campaign for more powers to be able to do ever more.”