THE SNP have said Rishi Sunak must "focus on the cost of living - not taking tents away from homeless people" on the eve of the King's Speech as reports have suggested it includes new powers for police and councils to clear tents put up by homeless people if they are deemed to be a “nuisance”.
Downing Street has said the King’s Speech is to focus on the Prime Minister’s priorities of growing the economy – one of his five pledges made to the electorate in January – and safeguarding the UK’s energy independence. However, SNP MP Drew Hendry warned that "Westminster is pushing Scots into poverty - and leaving millions to fend for themselves as the Tories tank the UK economy and send the cost of living soaring". The SNP’s economy spokesperson challenged both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer to back SNP calls for key cost of living powers to be transferred to the Scottish Parliament, and for immediate UK government action to help families - including delivering a £400 energy bill rebate, introducing mortgage interest tax relief and taking action to tackle soaring food prices.
"With neither Sunak or Starmer willing to offer any real help for families, and both Westminster parties ruling out support for SNP calls for a £400 energy bill rebate, mortgage interest tax relief, and action on food prices - it's clear no change is possible under Westminster control.
The speech will also “ensure the country is fully securing the benefits of Brexit” and build a “competitive and supportive environment for businesses to capitalise on new technologies”, officials said.
According to the Financial Times, as part of the measures, a civil offence could be established in England and Wales to fine charities found to have given tents to rough sleepers.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman (above), the Cabinet minister behind the proposals, told Sky News: “There is no need to live in a tent in Britain in the 21st century.
“There is a huge amount of resources dedicated to wraparound care for vulnerable people, drug treatment and other forms of treatment to support people to get back on their feet and live fulfilling lives.
“We need to be clear that the police have requested some of these new powers to enable them to take a robust approach to what can be a very serious criminal behaviour in these instances, involving drug use, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and threatening behaviour in communities.
“It is not what our country represents and that is why I’m proposing these measures.”
