Robison condemns ‘damaging’ Labour decisions as SNP campaigns for by-election

Labour has worsened the cost-of-living crisis for Scots, Holyrood’s finance secretary has claimed.

Shona Robison hit out at Sir Keir Starmer’s party ahead of a day of action for the SNP in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse – where voters will go to the polls in June to elect a successor to the late Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie.

Speaking ahead of the campaign day, Robison said: “Having the Labour Party in power at Westminster and South Lanarkshire Council is costing the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse dearly.”

The SNP said its candidate for the seat, South Lanarkshire councillor Katy Loudon, had voted against the authority when it introduced garden waste charges and when it reduced school bus services in the area.

Robison was also critical of decisions made by Labour at Westminster, including the ending of the universal winter fuel payment for older people, and the continuation of the two-child cap on some benefits.

“Pensioners and families should get the support they need, and kids should be able to get the bus to school, but the Labour Government has taken these away, making choices which have harmed families and worsened the cost-of-living crisis,” she said.

“In contrast, the SNP Government is delivering for families with policies like reversing Labour’s winter fuel payment cut, scrapping the two-child cap, and the Scottish child payment.

“That’s exactly how we offer hope at a time when so many are struggling, and it’s the message we are taking to doorsteps across this constituency on our national campaign day.

“If elected as the next SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, I know Katy Loudon will put local priorities first and work for a better Scotland, free from damaging Labour decisions.”

However Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said Davy Russell, his party’s candidate for the June 5 by-election, would be a “fantastic local champion” for the area.

Sarwar launched Scottish Labour’s by-election campaign on Friday, with Russell saying: “I am sure if I put the community first, put the people first, I can make a difference.”