STEPHEN Flynn MP has demanded UK Government support following the release of data which shows those claiming unemployment benefits is up 2080 in his Aberdeen South constituency on March last year.

Speaking in the Chamber on Monday, Flynn pressed the UK Government for answers as to why Aberdeen has been designated as a low priority for funding behind 123 other local authorities. Following the release of the latest DWP statistics, Flynn has renewed his demands for the UK Government to move Aberdeen up the queue.

Commenting, the SNP MP said: “It’s clear that the Levelling Up Fund now not only bypasses devolution but also bypasses the needs of Aberdeen and the wider north east.

“This Levelling Up Fund was meant to support hard pressed areas, but it’s all too apparent that the Tories simply do not care about our region with English local authorities taking precedence – the Tories must change course and give Aberdeen the priority that we so desperately need.”