Scotland needs a government that understands business – Miles Briggs MSP

As we move out of lockdown, the true economic impact of the coronavirus public health emergency is still yet to be fully understood and realised. None of us can honestly know the true global impact the virus has had on companies and how a global and interconnected world economy will recover and restart.

Over the last four months, I have been working flat out to try to assist Edinburgh and Lothian businesses with the one goal of trying to save and protect local jobs. On this point, both the UK and Scottish governments have worked well together and taken decisive action. It is remarkable to think that the UK Government’s support schemes have protected nearly 800,000 jobs in Scotland.

Rebuilding the Scottish economy will be of critical importance. It is worth reflecting that prior to the coronavirus public health emergency the only part of the Scottish economy actually growing was the Edinburgh and South East Scotland area. That has to change and we need to see a Scottish Parliament focused on creating the best and most competitive business environment for Scotland’s economy to grow.

Getting schools back at full capacity by August is an important step to allow parents to resume full-time work, as well as providing much needed opportunities for children to catch up. I am pleased that SNP ministers have changed their position to planning for full-time schooling in August, following sustained pressure from parents and teachers.

Readers will have seen articles I’ve written in the past celebrating Edinburgh’s world-class tourism industry and festivals. This should be a very busy time of year for the Edinburgh tourism industry, as well as the Edinburgh food and drinks industry.

Decisions made by SNP ministers on when and how businesses can reopen have a significant impact on how effectively businesses will be able to operate. There has been a worrying lack of dialogue from the SNP Government with local businesses about when they can start operating again, with many companies feeling let down. A review of the two-metre rule, and when this can be reduced, will be especially key for businesses reopening viably. I’ve continued to try to seek answers for local businesses.

Out of every crisis comes change. Great countries come together to turn challenges into opportunities. That’s why we need to see both of Scotland’s governments focus 100 per cent on the task of rebuilding the economy and creating opportunities for small, medium and large businesses to prosper and create employment.

That’s why I’ve called for a West Lothian Recovery Taskforce. Livingston, for example, has huge potential and business sites available to supply the Scottish and UK market. We need to see both governments engaging with companies looking to invest and attract businesses to locate in Scotland. To kickstart the recovery, we need to see key investments like the Edinburgh City Deal progress, the fast-tracking of shovel-ready projects and action to invest in infrastructure like the Sheriffhall Roundabout and future opportunities like realising the potential of Edinburgh’s wonderful and under-utilised waterfront for new homes, jobs and leisure.

After 20 years of devolution and a Scottish economy going nowhere under this SNP government, the next Scottish Parliament elections will present the key question on how we turn the Scottish economy around to create the jobs and growth of the future.

Miles Briggs is a Conservative MSP for Lothian region

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