Cost of Living

Asks Mhairi Black whether the SNP would have spent more or less than £400 billion to get through the pandemic.

Questions Mhairi Black about her agreement with the SNP-Green Government's policy on a presumption against new oil and gas fields in Scotland. Also asks how she responds to Bruce Adamson, who stated that Sturgeon is failing to raise the bar or close the attainment gap for every child.

Highlights the Government's response to global challenges, including support for businesses during the pandemic, aid to Ukraine, measures to halve inflation, growing the economy faster than many other countries, and reducing public debt. Discusses inflationary pressures due to global events like Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and domestic factors such as tight labour market conditions. Outlines specific interventions such as the energy price guarantee, benefit increases, council tax rebates, and the Household Support Fund to help with rising costs.

Questions how stopping immigration aids in resolving the cost-of-living crisis.

Inquires about Lord David Frost's accusations regarding excessive power of the Scottish Parliament and whether it aligns with Government policy.

Asks for specific measures to address rising food inflation since the autumn statement.

Questions the necessity of funds from a levelling-up fund given perceived benefits of the Union.

Requests an explanation for the significant increase in energy costs despite Scotland being a net exporter of energy.

Murray argued that the SNP's motion incorrectly attacks Labour, while ignoring their own complicity in the cost of living crisis. He pointed out that under SNP leadership for 16 years, Scottish businesses have suffered and economic growth has been an afterthought, resulting in higher energy bills and child poverty. Additionally, he stated that a future Labour government would focus on sustainable economic growth to resolve the crisis.

Critiqued the SNP's attendance in the debate, highlighting that less than a quarter of the SNP MPs were present for an issue they deemed crucial. He also questioned why no Plaid Cymru MPs from Wales were present to speak during the debate.

Argued that Scotland is held back by Westminster control and highlighted the economic struggles in his constituency due to rising food and energy prices, leading to potential business closures. He emphasised the need for urgent action from the UK Government on VAT restoration, universal credit upliftment, and addressing soaring food prices.

Mr. Doogan argues that the Tory cost of living crisis has exacerbated poverty, particularly in Scotland. He highlights disparities in education funding between Scotland and England, with higher investment per child and better teacher-pupil ratios in Scotland. He criticises the UK Government's handling of Brexit, noting its negative impact on trade and economy compared to other G7 nations. Mr. Doogan emphasises that Scotland is a 'poor country' due to inequality and economic struggles despite high GDP figures. He also addresses concerns raised by colleagues about fishing regulations and support for farmers under the Internal Market Act 2020.

Brexit has caused significant economic hardship for Scotland, with food prices at their highest level in 45 years. The SNP calls for the UK Government to take real action on food prices and intervene like other European countries have done.

Supports Deidre Brock's position, criticising the Home Secretary for demonstrating a lack of understanding about modern agricultural methods and calling into question the government’s ability to handle rural environments effectively.

The speaker supports the motion and criticises the current approach to addressing poverty, advocating for an Alba party plan that includes annual £500 payments to low-earning households, increasing child payments, extending free school meals, writing off debt to local authorities from parents who cannot afford to pay, doubling education maintenance allowances, and universal access to sports facilities. He also criticises the UK Government's policies on energy and wealth distribution, highlighting the disparity in benefits received by Scotland compared to England. The speaker emphasises that current practices are detrimental to public services and workers' wages while benefiting high earners.

Mr. Grady highlighted the impact of Brexit on Scotland, noting that people did not get what they voted for nine years ago when voting to stay in the Union. He criticised the Conservative response to the European referendum and argued that a Labour Government would be pro-Brexit and anti-immigration, similar to the current government.

Mr. Wishart intervened to question how long Labour will align with Tory attacks on democracy, devolution, and Parliament.

Ms. Jardine expressed disappointment that the SNP debate was about independence rather than addressing the cost of living crisis faced by constituents in Scotland and across the UK. She criticised the Conservative Government's handling of energy price hikes, inflation, interest rates, and economic growth.

The hon. Member Marion Fellows reiterated the severe impact of the cost of living crisis on disabled people, their carers, and families in Scotland. She cited figures from Scope's 'Disability Price Tag' report indicating a £975 monthly additional cost for disabled households and criticised the government’s inadequate support during this period. She also mentioned increased energy costs for disabled individuals due to heating needs and reliance on assistive technology, emphasising the need for uplifted universal credit benefits.

Mr. Williams emphasised the severe impact of the cost-of-living crisis in Wales, highlighting statistics that more than one in eight Welsh households struggle to afford basic necessities and 36% of children in Arfon live in poverty. He called for an official investigation into soaring supermarket prices and suspected profiteering by supermarkets. He raised concerns about energy bills remaining high compared to neighbouring countries, noting the hardship faced by people struggling with heating their homes due to high costs. Mr. Williams proposed several measures including a fair tax on share buybacks to support the energy price guarantee, redesigning the energy bills support scheme for vulnerable households, and another round of alternative fuel payment. He also stressed the need for a social tariff to ensure energy affordability for all and called for reforms in disability benefits to respect claimants' dignity. Additionally, he pointed out that 62.6% of Welsh workers are employed by small and medium businesses which received no additional support with their energy bills from the Chancellor's spring statement.

Discusses the severe impact of rising energy bills, food prices, and mortgage rates on constituents. Criticises the current government for its economic policies that have exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis. Emphasises Scotland's approach to providing free childcare, scrapping prescription charges, extending free bus travel, and supporting families through measures like the Best Start package and Scottish child payment.

The cost of living crisis is exacerbated by the vulnerability of disabled individuals who face constant cuts and conscious cruelty from Tory Governments, coupled with punitive assessment regimes. Many disabled people are unable to work additional hours or take on a second job due to their health conditions. In Leicester East, 37% of children live in families with at least one disabled member compared to 26% nationally, adding more hardship to already struggling communities.

To be determined from the given text snippet; partial contribution only available. Drew Hendry rose to speak further on the matter, but his full position is not provided in the given text.

Critiqued the Labour party for not participating in the debate, emphasised the negative impacts of Brexit on Scotland's economy and people's livelihoods. Drew highlighted specific issues like GDP decline, increased cost of living, higher food prices, labour shortages in care homes, and disparities in energy tariffs across different regions of Scotland.

Criticised the lack of engagement from other parties, particularly the Conservative party. Emphasised contributions made by SNP members on issues such as business challenges, educational policies in England compared to Scotland, and the impact of Brexit predictions coming true for Scotland.

She pointed out that her party is critical of the damage Brexit has caused to the economy and emphasised that they proposed a people's vote before the last general election.

He questioned the consistency of the Liberal Democrats' stance on Brexit, noting their proposal for a referendum post-election but now appearing content with continuing Brexit.

Asked if he could intervene, his full contribution was not detailed in the provided transcript.

He noted that speeches exceeded agreed-upon time limits and mentioned the need to give equal time to the Minister.

Emphasised respect for democratic decisions, including Brexit and Scottish independence. He outlined extensive government support measures for households facing economic pressures due to inflation, global issues, and the impact of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Provided figures on spending (£276 billion), benefit rate increases (10.1%), and cost-of-living payments worth over £94 billion. Also discussed employment rates, youth unemployment, and criticism of the SNP's record.