SNP BACK SMALL BUSINESS AS OPPOSITION BETRAYS LOCAL SHOPS

Attn: NEWSDESKS


POLITICAL / ECONOMIC CORRESPONDENTS



PURVIS DELETES SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT


The SNP is backing small business across Scotland, as the party revealed the Lib Dem MSP behind moves to block tax on large supermarkets previously listed “more support for local retailers struggling against the big supermarkets” as one of his top 11 priorities for the Parliament.


The promise to local retailers was listed on Mr Purvis’ website until last week Labour have joined the Lib Dem’s confusion now arguing that supermarkets should be able to keep their profits and pay no more tax, whilst during the debate on alcohol they argued that the Scottish Government should find a way to tax supermarket profits.


Branding the Lib Dems move a “betrayal of small business” SNP MSP for South of Scotland Christine Grahame said:


“The SNP is committed to backing small business and to levelling the playing field for our town centres.



“The Lib Dems are now so embarrassed by their betrayal of small business that they are trying to wipe any trace of backing for town centres from public memory.



“The revenue due to come from this additional levy on only 0.1% of business premises in Scotland will make a vital contribution to supporting our town centres, protecting our public services and helping to support Scottish households through a council tax freeze.


“Small business in the Borders who have had their business rates reduced by the SNP will rightly feel betrayed by their Lib Dem MSP who promised to support their struggle against the supermarkets and is now backing big supermarkets against them and against the interests of people across Scotland.



“At the same time the SNP has consistently put the interests of the people of Scotland first while Labour has gone from objecting to alcohol pricing because it would give supermarkets money to objecting to taxing supermarkets because it would take money away from them.


“The reality is that opposition parties are utterly inconsistent and unable to take the tough decisions. Their opposition is based not on jobs or sensible budget plans for Scotland but on negativity and electioneering.


“The SNP will continue to support small businesses and I for one am proud to do so."



ENDS