Natalie Don MSP has reacted to the UK Government’s budget by declaring that people in Scotland choosing the path to independence is the only way to ensure a fair recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to keep the country safe from Tory cuts.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West said that the budget, which has been described by the head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies as “actually awful” for living standards, is failing the people of Renfrewshire and Scotland by failing to tackle the cost of living, Brexit and climate crises whilst the Tory Government prioritise cutting the cost of champagne and giving tax breaks to bankers.

Natalie Don MSP said: “This UK Government budget is leaving families in Renfrewshire hundreds of pounds worse off next year due to Tory cuts, tax hikes and the soaring cost of Brexit and does not come near meeting the ambition needed to tackle the cost of living crisis and building a fair and sustainable recovery.

“While key decisions remain under the control of out-of-touch Westminster politicians living in their world of unfettered privilege, it is blatantly clear that there will be no fair recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic on their watch.

“It’s little wonder that the people of Scotland voted to give the SNP the highest ever share of the vote at this year’s Scottish Parliament election and a clear mandate for an independence referendum. It becomes clearer by the day that independence is the only way to keep Scotland safe from Tory cuts.”