SNP MSP Slams Tory Bank Tax Break Whilst 373,142 In Edinburgh Face NI Hike

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has slammed the Tory UK government for its decision to hike National Insurance for 373,142 working age people in Edinburgh.

Tory Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the decision to cut the tax surcharge for banks by more than 60% less than a month after he announced that thousands of hardworking families would face increases in their National Insurance.

Commenting, Gordon said:

“It should be a surprise to no one that the Tories are giving tax breaks to their rich pals in the banks whilst hiking taxes for hardworking families in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

“This is inexplicable given that families are facing a cost of living crisis with increasing food bills, energy prices skyrocketing and cuts to Universal Credit.

“The Tories are making it clear that our recovery from the pandemic will be built on the backs of those that can least afford it.

“Under Westminster control, Scotland cannot recover fairly. The only way to protect Scotland from Tory cuts is by becoming an independent country, with the full powers to build a fairer society.”