Scotland is treading warily through the Covid-19 crisis, attempting where possible to reinstate activities that will allow us to regain some aspects of social and economic normality.
If we can maintain a high level of compliance with the guidance and restrictions we can, as a nation, get through this crisis.
The ongoing actions of the UK Tory Government risks exposing Scotland to significant negative economic and societal harm as the twin impacts of coronavirus and a no deal, or low deal, Brexit loom large.
The virus will still be with us for months to come and there will still be challenges for many sectors of our economy, including in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Yet, the Tory Government’s outright refusal to extend the furlough scheme in the middle of a pandemic is nothing short of reckless and will lead to an inevitable jobs apocalypse unless support is strengthened and extended.
The Chancellor previously pledged to do “whatever it takes” to help people get through this crisis. Choosing to prematurely shut down the furlough scheme next month confirms the very opposite - that the Tories are pulling support and abandoning people and businesses at this critical time.
This reality has been recognised by many other countries, who have extended furlough support by up to a further 18 months in some cases.
The UK Government has had to borrow billions to fund the scheme and should continue to do so. The Scottish Government does not have the same borrowing powers and requests to Westminster for such powers have been rejected.
I welcome Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard joining the First Minister in calling for a furlough scheme extension.
But instead of taking the fight to the Tories, Scottish Labour are, once again, riven with internal strife, with a grouping of Labour MSPs seeking to dump their leader eight months out from an election.
Their focus will never be on protecting Scotland’s interests.
It is now clearer than ever that Scotland needs her independence. And when an independence referendum comes, it will no longer be a choice between independence and the status quo, but between independence and a Tory regime which is intent on crippling Scotland.
