Shona Haslam, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, has slammed the SNP Government for failing to show their support for local newspapers. Ms Haslam’s criticism comes after the Scottish Conservatives secured cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament calling on the SNP Government to extend rates relief for the next year, which SNP MSPs voted against. SNP Finance Secretary Kate Forbes is set to axe the relief at the end of this month, despite having record funding from the UK Government. However, Ms Halam says if local newspapers die, then democracy does too and has urged the SNP to put aside their hostility to media scrutiny. In May last year, the SNP failed to back a Scottish Conservative motion to provide rates relief to newspapers at the height of the pandemic. Ms Halsam says this is yet another example of the SNP failing to back local newspapers at a time when they need it most. Commenting, Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate Shona said: “The refusal of the SNP Government to extend business rates relief is a real slap in the face for local newspapers and journalists working here in south Scotland. “The SNP need to put aside their opposition to media scrutiny and give them this lifeline extension. “As we continue to fight the pandemic, people are turning to local newspapers for vital information. “Extending rates relief would be a major boost to them at the time they need it most. Like last year though, the SNP are yet again failing to stand up for much loved local publications and appear happy to risk vital jobs and livelihoods in Scottish journalism. “There’s a proud tradition of local newspapers in the south of Scotland and we’re lucky to still have many excellent local publications. Under the SNP’s plans, these much-loved titles will be under threat. “Alongside my Scottish Conservative colleagues, I will be continuing to push Kate Forbes to make an urgent u-turn on this illogical move.”
