THE pandemic has proven that an independent Scotland would be more than capable of handling crisis situations, Kate Forbes says – pointing to similar-sized countries who have been able to implement measures to protect health and jobs.

“Scotland has been unable to do that in the way we would prefer because we are reliant on Westminster and ordinary people are clearly not a Tory priority,” the Finance Secretary said.

Her comments are made in an exclusive article which will be published in one million pro-independence newspapers being distributed across the country.

The eight-page publication – a venture between The National, the SNP and Believe in Scotland – will bring the Yes case to households in a special paper being delivered to local groups and branches this week.

The full supplement will also be printed in a 48-page edition of The National this Saturday.

READ MORE: The next stage in our million pro-indy paper push is getting them to you

In her article, Kate Forbes reflects on the impact of both the coronavirus pandemic and the UK’s exit from the European Union, alongside the continued restraints imposed on Scotland by the Westminster government.

She writes: “Under Westminster control, the UK is already lagging far behind our European neighbours in a huge range of measures of health, wealth and happiness.

“And the worst Brexit impacts on our economy have not even kicked in yet. But be in no doubt, the impact on workers and costs are already hurting businesses. And remember, Brexit was inflicted on us against our will, another consequence of Westminster control.”

The Finance Secretary also challenges the argument over priorities between economic recovery and independence, stating: “You can’t have one without the other. For a strong, robust, green recovery we need independence.”

She continues: “Because quite simply, we know what happened last time the Tories were in charge of economic recovery.

“After the crash of 2008, the Tories embarked on a decade of austerity, balancing the books on the backs of the most vulnerable – when there were far better alternatives – and Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s recent Budget was a continuation of those callous priorities.

“More austerity will undermine economic recovery and deepen inequalities. And Labour offers no hope for a change in direction at Westminster.”

Forbes says Scotland “can – and must – choose a different path” in building a stronger economy, and says the country should make the most of its resources.

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“Our country is rich with natural resources, which drives economic growth and raises revenue for our public services,” she says.

“Take our wind and rain, which are powering Scotland and keeping the lights on. Our renewable energy output has quadrupled in the past 10 years – that’s enough power for the equivalent of nearly nine million households. Alongside the energy benefits, there are the financial benefits too.”

However, she acknowledges that “our potential is constantly thwarted” under the rule of Westminster, and so “the bottom line is that, despite all the many strengths of the Scottish economy, we need the full levers of control if we really want to be more prosperous and more equal”.

She adds: “To reject austerity and invest in our economy, our NHS and our public services, the people of Scotland will have the opportunity to choose independence and put Scotland’s future and Scotland’s recovery in Scotland’s hands.”