THE SNP have accused the Chancellor of spending the summer “flying kites” as the cost of living crisis worsens under Labour, while inflation in Europe has seen a drop.
Inflation in the UK has risen to 3.8%, marking its highest level since January 2024 and significantly higher than when Labour took office last summer.
The figures, confirmed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), come as energy analysts at Cornwall Insight warned household bills could rise by an average of £169 this autumn – despite Labour’s pre-election pledge to cut them by £300.
Meanwhile, newly released research from the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the SNP, highlights a stark contrast with the rest of Europe.
While the UK’s inflation jumped from 2% to 3.8% between June 2024 and July 2025, EU countries have seen a steady drop.
Belgium saw inflation fall from 5.4% to 2.6% in a single month. In France, it dropped from 2.5% to just 0.9%. Germany and the Netherlands also recorded notable falls – down to 1.8% and 2.5% respectively.
The average inflation rate across the EU now stands at 2.4%, well below the UK figure.
Interest rates across the Eurozone remain at 2%, half the current Bank of England rate.
SNP Economy spokesperson Dave Doogan MP said the contrast between the UK and its neighbours “exposes the failure of Westminster’s economic management.”
He accused Rachel Reeves of “flying kites and leaking stories ahead of a brutal budget” whilst ignoring the rising cost of living.
“This week alone gave official figures and official confirmation of what people already know and feel in their day to day lives – from food, to fuel, to energy – prices are going up under the Labour Party,” he said.
Doogan dismissed Labour’s claim that international pressures were to blame.
“The Labour Party can’t hide behind the same excuse used by the Tories,” he said. “While prices continue to soar in Brexit Britain, prices are stable for our nearest neighbours in the EU.”
He added that Labour’s promises of economic change are now “ringing hollow” across Scotland.
“Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves promised ‘change’ a year ago – but it is clearer than ever that things are getting worse on the Labour Party’s watch.”
Calling for independence, Doogan said Scotland must be free to chart a different economic course.
“The pattern of dire economic data in the UK is now baked in and underlines the urgency of seeking to shape a future beyond the waste of Westminster,” he said.
“Scotland is rich in resources, but we need the full powers of independence to deliver transformative change for those struggling to make ends meet.”
