THE SNP has said that independence is the only way to protect the people of Scotland from the impact of Tory cuts.
It comes as inflation reaches a 40-year high and the UK Government slashed core funding to the Scottish Government by 5.2% in real terms.
As a result, the SNP have said their ability to provide additional support to those struggling with the cost of living crisis.
SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “Scotland’s finances have yet again been subject to brutal cuts to its budget by Westminster.
“In 2014, the people of Scotland were told that they would benefit from the ‘broad shoulders’ of the UK, but instead Westminster control has meant cuts, not cash for households and public services across the country.”
He added that because the Scottish Government does not have the borrowing powers of other independent countries, they are unable to put money towards improving public services.
Gibson added: “Despite cutting Scotland’s budget, 90% of the revenue for the Chancellor’s windfall tax will come from profits made in Scotland.
“This means – not for the first time – Scotland’s resources are bankrolling the rest of the UK and demonstrating how much stronger a position we would be in as an independent country.
“Just this week a Glasgow University study found that people in Scotland are dying younger because of Tory austerity – it laid bare the direct impact of Westminster cuts on the lives of people in Scotland.”
“The Scottish Government works with one hand tied behind its back by a UK Tory government that imposes cut after cut.
“It is only with the full powers of independence that we can start to build a fairer, more equal country.”
