Ian Blackford told Naga Munchetty he strongly felt Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak’s financial support package had not gone far enough to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland. However, the BBC Breakfast host cut off the MP as she questioned whether Scotland would be better off if it wasn’t part of the UK.
Blackford argued the furlough scheme and other financial support packages had not provided sufficient support, particularly for the tourism sector.
Munchetty reminded the Leader of the SNP in the House of Commons that the Prime Minister will be announcing a growth deal package for the Scottish Islands which will take total investment in Scottish growth deals to more than £3.2 billion.
However, Blackford retaliated by providing examples of support packages where the UK Government has not matched the Scottish Government.
Munchetty said: “There’s a joint UK Scottish Government deal being announced which will see the Isles, Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles receive a £100 million cash boost.
Read more: Naga Munchetty: BBC Breakfast star suffers dead air in awkward blunder
“So that takes total investment in Scottish growth deals to more than £3.2 [billion]. This is a joint Scottish UK Government deal, is this an example of why the Union should remain?”
“No,” Blackford replied. “We have worked collectively to get that investment into our local communities and when you look at what the UK government is doing, they’re providing £1.5 million, we’re actually going over and above that.
“I’d say to the UK Government to match our ambition.”
Munchetty could be heard trying to ask a question but Blackford spoke over the host.
Cutting him off, she said: “Excuse me for interrupting, this joint deal for the Isles is 50/50.”
More to follow…