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Daily Record
Daily Record
Politics
Chris McCall

Scottish Government challenged to ditch IndyRef2 planning and focus on cost of living crisis

The Scottish Government has been challenged to drop plans for a second vote on independence and instead "get to grips" with the cost of living crisis.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Lib Dems, insisted today it was "time to move on from the division that has held Scotland back for so long" and ditch talk of an IndyRef 2.

He called on SNP and Green ministers to invest more cash in insulation as it would help households deal with soaring energy costs as well as help to reduce emissions.

His party also wants the £250 million “cut” to council budgets to be reversed and a 3.8% increase in rail fares to be be scrapped.

Cole-Hamilton said: “Let’s lay aside talk of an independence referendum and get to grips with what matters right now.

“That starts with getting Scotland back on its feet after two years of the pandemic and by recognising that our people are facing the biggest hit to household budgets in a generation.”

As well as calling for action from the Scottish Government, the Lib Dems are urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to cut VAT from its current rate of 20% to 17.5% across the UK, as well as scrapping next month’s increase in national insurance.

Cole-Hamilton added: “Scottish Liberal Democrats would insulate you and your home from the cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency with a massive investment in improving energy efficiency.

“Across the UK we would put a Robin Hood tax on energy companies making super profits and cut VAT to reduce household bills.”

His call came ahead of May’s council elections, with the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader saying his party would show people “the meaning of hope once again” in that contest.

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