Monday November 17th 2025
Colin Beattie MSP
Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North & Musselburgh, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View
Scotland is brimming with economic potential. Yet once again our progress is being undermined by decisions made in Westminster, and by a UK Government that promised change but has delivered only more instability. After years of Tory mismanagement, people hoped for a fresh start. Instead, Labour’s first months in office show the same mistakes that Scotland must deal with.
The latest employment statistics highlight Labours mismanagement. Unemployment across the UK has risen to 5%, while in Scotland it has fallen to 3.7%. That resilience is a credit to Scottish workers and employers, but it doesn’t shield us from the financial consequences of UK-level decisions.
We have also had to deal with Labours irresponsible Employers National Insurance rise, essentially a job tax, resulting in the Scottish Government being faced with an extra £530 million bill for public sector pay uplifts – over £700 million once wider staff such as GPs, dentists and social care workers are included. This is money that could be going towards improving our public services.
Businesses are already feeling the impact. The Fraser of Allander Institute has found that more than 60% of firms are having to adjust operations by cutting jobs, raising prices, or reducing staff benefits—and nearly 40% expect further disruption. For many small businesses, that level of uncertainty threatens investment and stifles growth.
Despite these pressures, the UK Government has so far offered Scotland only £360 million in compensation for costs that total more than £839 million. That leaves a vast gap that risks undermining our public finances, and the services people rely on.
As we approach the UK Budget this month, it is vital that Scottish Labour stand up for Scotland rather than simply echo decisions briefed from London. The chaos of daily leaks to the press leaves robs Scotland and other devolved governments of the clarity they deserve.
Scotland deserves better than to be an afterthought. With independence, we could make economic decisions based on Scotland’s priorities, invest in our strengths, and grow a stable, fair economy, driven by Scotland’s needs.
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