We must focus on jobs, jobs, jobs – Miles Briggs

Giving the long-term impact of Covid-19, no one should be under any illusions about just how hard the next few months and years are going to be, writes Miles Briggs MSP.

New Scottish Conservative party leader Douglas Ross has made economic recovery his top priority (Picture: John Devlin)

It is no secret that local businesses have been hit hard by lockdown and social-distancing restrictions since March this year, and many have been struggling to stay open. The long-term challenge in Edinburgh and the Lothians is how we get our economy back on track and local businesses will be central to that recovery. The UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been hugely successful in getting people back to restaurants and has been a much-needed boost to the local economy.

I know from the number of local businesses who have contacted me in recent weeks expressing major concern at the suspension of parking on high streets by Edinburgh City Council, the negative impact this has already had on local traders, who rely on customers travelling from the surrounding areas to visit their shops. The minimal level of stakeholder engagement by Edinburgh City Council has been particularly worrying only adding to the economic challenge Covid-19 has presented to helping secure and support the future of our local high streets.

I have genuinely been shocked by the lack of understanding or consultation by SNP and Labour councillors running Edinburgh City Council to see the negative impact some of the Spaces for People measures have had on small businesses. In many cases measures have made it more unsafe and confusing for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists across the Capital. Rebuilding the confidence of shoppers and the success of local businesses in Edinburgh is beneficial to the whole city and it is vital that they are fully supported to give them the best chance to survive and prosper and secure the vibrant high streets we all want to see. When our local businesses do well, our local communities do well.

The survival of businesses and the growth of Edinburgh’s economy is crucial for creating more jobs, so that young people have the opportunities to earn money and gain invaluable experience. One of my biggest concerns as a Lothian MSP is the long-term impact on Edinburgh and the Lothians’ economy of Covid-19 and the job opportunities that are available for young people leaving school or further education. SNP ministers do not appear to be focused on the plight of our local high streets or bringing forward the much-needed support to help assist with these economic challenges – this must become an urgent priority for SNP ministers.

I was pleased to be appointed by Douglas Ross as the Scottish Conservative Party chief whip last week. Since his election as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, at the start of August, Douglas has repeatedly emphasised the importance of rebuilding and restoring Scotland, not focusing on divisions of the past. Douglas has made it clear that Scotland’s economic recovery and getting people into well-paid secure jobs is his number one priority as leader of the Scottish Conservatives. The Scottish Conservatives are under no illusion about just how hard the next few months and years are going to be for Scotland and the United Kingdom, which is why an economic recovery and jobs plan has been Douglas’s first commitment as the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives.

Since my election as a Lothian MSP I have always worked to support and help local businesses in whatever way I can to grow and prosper. I’m absolutely clear that we need to all work to protect, support and create jobs on our high streets. It’s time for Edinburgh City Council to do the same.

Miles Briggs is a Conservative MSP for Lothian region

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