UNSURPRISINGLY PMQs was dominated by one topic, that of extending the furlough scheme. This was not surprising after the announcements by the PM and Scotland’s First Minister regarding the need for tighter restrictions as we try and curtail Covid-19. But the PM was adamant that no extension to the furlough scheme was forthcoming.

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As SNP MP Patrick Grady pointed out to the PM, where powers remain reserved to Westminster, there is a cost that comes with tighter restrictions and the government at Westminster must meet the cost. This is a national crisis we are all living through, and unfortunately for so many families living daily on a hand-to-mouth basis, with no financial security, the PM had no words of comfort.

The PM and his government, sitting comfortably on the green benches with income security, must at a minimum extend the furlough scheme or present an alternative means of income. It is a dereliction of their duty in government to leave so many families facing job insecurity through no fault of their own, time is running out till October 31st when the furlough scheme ends. Hard-working families deserve some form of financial security going forward and they need it now.

Catriona Clark
Falkirk