RISING Covid-19 cases, lockdown restrictions and Brexit are creating a “perfect storm” which requires a meaningful financial stimulus package, the SNP have said.

The party is now issuing a challenge to the Prime Minister and Chancellor to strengthen Covid income support schemes and do more to help those struggling across the UK.

Alison Thewliss, SNP shadow chancellor, said Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak must come before the Parliament when recess ends next week and set out measures to protect the economy, businesses, jobs and people’s incomes.

The National:

The SNP have set out several steps which should be taken including a £98 billion support package, equivalent to that provided by the likes of New Zealand and Germany, extending the furlough scheme and other support measures for as long as necessary, reversing the Tory public sector pay freeze, making the £20 uplift to Universal Credit permanent and extending it to legacy benefits, and finally devolving financial powers to the Scottish Parliament so action can be taken by the Government here.

"Many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020, however, it is now absolutely critical that the UK Government takes immediate action early in the New Year to ensure we can weather the perfect storm which is brewing due to rising coronavirus cases, restrictions, and the impact of a hard Brexit,” said Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central.

"When Parliament returns from recess next week, I urge the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to step up to the challenge and heed our long-standing calls for a £98bn support package - on par with other countries - to protect our economy, businesses, jobs, people's incomes, and to secure our economic recovery.

“Far too often the Tory Government has found itself intent on prematurely pulling financial support for struggling businesses and households, only to be forced into a screeching U-turn at the very last minute - leaving it too late as jobs are lost and businesses forced to pull down their shutters.”

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The MP said time is running out – increasing the risk of businesses and households being pushed into hardship.

“Scotland has been left to tackle this pandemic with one hand tied behind its back at the same time as having Brexit imposed upon us against our will.

“It’s clear that the only way to properly protect our interests and secure our economic recovery is by becoming an independent country.”

In the last year support for Scotland becoming independent has reached highs of 58%, while the SNP are on track to secure a Holyrood majority according to the latest polling.