My Week 9th – 15th December

Brendan O’Hara MP

3 hours ago

The SNP will press Boris Johnson to U-turn and accept the EU's offer of a Brexit transition extension in the Commons this week - as warnings grow over the cost of leaving the EU in the middle of the covid-19 health crisis.

Leading the opposition debate on Wednesday, Ian Blackford MP is expected to say that with six months left until the transition period ends, no good deal in sight, and the country facing an unprecedented economic crisis it would be "reckless in the extreme" for the Tory government to pile a Brexit crisis on top.

The SNP Westminster Leader will say that with many businesses struggling to survive and thousands of jobs already being cut the UK cannot afford the added damage that a bad deal would cause - at a time when the economy will need all the help it can get to recover.

SNP MPs are increasingly concerned at the lack of any meaningful consultation with the Scottish Government and other devolved nations on the Brexit talks - and the growing threat of a Tory power grab in devolved areas, including agriculture and food standards.

Earlier this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel ordered the EU to prepare for No-Deal, warning Europe “must and should prepare for a situation in which an agreement does not happen” due to lack of progress. Separately, Boris Johnson said he is willing to crash out of the EU with no deal, which he has described as "a very good option".

Scottish Government analysis has revealed ending the transition period in 2020 could remove £3 billion from the Scottish economy in just two years - on top of the impact of coronavirus. The CBI has warned a no deal would block an economic recovery in the UK, and the IMF has warned it could wipe a further 3.5% off UK GDP.

Polls shows the majority of people support an extension to the transition period. A survey by Focaldata found eighty-three per cent (83%) of people in Scotland and seventy-seven per cent (77%) across Britain say the UK government should agree to an extension. ... See MoreSee Less

Brendan O’Hara MP

2 days ago

The SNP has said that "the threat of mass redundancies is growing" after the Tory government confirmed it would cut off the furlough scheme prematurely - and failed to deliver the financial powers and scale of funds needed to secure a strong recovery.

Following the Chancellor's statement on Wednesday, four major UK companies have announced job losses - with around 10,000 jobs at risk at Boots, Burger King, John Lewis and Rolls-Royce.

Meanwhile, economic experts, businesses and trade unions have echoed concerns raised by the SNP that the measures announced do not go far enough to protect jobs and prevent lasting damage to the economy.

Alison Thewliss MP said the Tory government must come back with a comprehensive plan to protect jobs - or it would be "directly responsible for thousands of unnecessary redundancies."

The SNP Shadow Chancellor is calling for a fiscal stimulus recovery package of at least £80billion (4% of GDP), the extension of the furlough schemes into 2021, and the devolution of financial powers to the Scottish Parliament. ... See MoreSee Less

Brendan O’Hara MP

4 days ago

The SNP's Westminster Leader has called for the Job Retention Scheme to be extended for as long as all four nations require it - amid warnings 3.8 million people across the UK could face unemployment if the furlough scheme ends prematurely.

Speaking at Prime Ministers Questions, Ian Blackford MP said Boris Johnson seems intent on "sinking the lifeboat that has been keeping so many people afloat" by refusing to make a commitment to an extension.

Mr Blackford added that if the Prime Minister was not going to extend the Job Retention scheme, he should "give Scotland the powers so we can do it ourselves" - by devolving the financial powers that the Scottish Government has called for.

Separately, SNP MP Angela Crawley urged the Prime Minister to fix the serious gaps in the furlough scheme, which have left millions of recently-employed workers, freelancers and the self-employed without the support they need.

Commenting, Ian Blackford MP said:

"The Job Retention Scheme has been a lifeline to millions, yet we could see progress unravel if the Tory government ends the scheme prematurely.

"Millions of people could find themselves out of work, struggling to pay bills and put food on the table if this crucial support is withdrawn while the pandemic continues.

"Just this week we have seen Spain look to extend their furlough scheme until 2021.

"Research has shown that ending the Job Retention Scheme too soon risks permanently higher unemployment and weaker productivity, with a potential loss of £50bn a year to GDP.

"The Resolution Foundation are calling for £3-5bn to be spent on extending furlough payments for the hardest hit sectors, and the TUC are warning of the effect ending the furlough scheme early would have on people who are shielding.

"Boris Johnson seems intent on sinking the lifeboat that has been keeping so many people afloat.

"If the Prime Minister will not extend the furlough scheme, then he must give Scotland the powers so we can do it ourselves. People must not lose their jobs because the Tory government refuses to act." ... See MoreSee Less