ONE of the frequent cries from the Scottish Tories when it comes to the issue of talking about independence is that it distracts from the important issue of running the country.

“Get on with the day job,” they shout at Nicola Sturgeon.

When it comes to their own party, the lack of getting on with the day job while the country faces the biggest squeeze in living standards for nearly a century has been nothing but shameful.

As households and businesses struggle to cope with soaring inflation and energy bills, the Tories have spent nearly two months indulging in choosing a new leader.

READ MORE: Liz Truss says it is is 'fair' her tax cut plans give the rich more cash

It’s not like the long weeks of vague promises, infighting and backstabbing have told us anything new. Liz Truss has been the bookies’ favourite for weeks and, barring the biggest of upsets, is likely to enter Downing Street as Prime Minister this week.

As she battled it out with Rishi Sunak, what was lacking was any action by Westminster to offer reassurance that help is coming.

For many it is already too late – a raft of restaurants, pubs and other businesses have shut their doors.

The priority for the new Prime Minister must be to set out how the government is going to see the country through this crisis.

With winter looming, it’s too late for anything other than practical financial support, as happened in the pandemic.

As environmental campaigners and experts point out today, a reversion to fossil fuels – as suggested by both Truss and Sunak – isn’t the answer for either the short or the long term.

The energy crisis must not be solved by making the climate crisis even worse.

New figures uncovered by the Sunday National today have also highlighted how much Scotland is contributing to the energy market in the UK .

Another frequent cry from the Tories – and other Unionists – is Scotland cannot afford to go it alone.

Of course, what they will never admit is that the UK cannot actually afford for Scotland to leave.