The price of everything is rocketing, the UK Government is doing nothing to help, and contenders for the next Prime Minister are a sorry list of undesirables who aren’t remotely interested in Scotland’s wellbeing.

Help is available for those struggling to cope with the cost of living; the council website has a banner link at the top of the page leading to assistance and you can also call on 01389 738296.

Sticking plasters won’t fix the problem. The economic damage from Covid-19 plus the impact of war in Ukraine is hitting harder in the UK as a direct result of political decisions made by the UK Government in London. Decisions that benefit the millionaires but not the rest of us.

Scotland hasn’t voted Conservative since the 1950s, yet time and time again we find ourselves at the behest of Tory governments which only care about helping the get richer on the backs of the rest of us; and don’t be fooled by Labour snake oil sellers, who are happy to join with Tories to keep Scotland compliant.

The best decisions for Scotland will be made by the people who live and work here. The only way Scotland can ensure decisions are taken in our best interests is with independence. Westminster governments, chosen by English voters to reflect English politics, have too much control over so much of Scottish voters’ lives.

Westminster ripped us out of the EU against our will, causing significant economic harm to Scotland.

Westminster controls the levels of support for renewable projects and overall energy strategy along with most taxes, pensions, and benefits like Universal Credit.

The Scottish Government spends over £100 million every single year to mitigate against damaging tory policies, like prescription charges and the bedroom tax. That is money that cannot then be spent on vital Scottish public services.

Supporters of this unequal union claim that we should not be wasting time having an independence referendum, but the plain truth is we need to have that discussion and vote as quickly as possible if we are to positively change the course of our future.

Scotland cannot afford to remain in the UK. Being in the UK is causing real-life harm to individuals, families, and businesses across Scotland and we are suffering right now.

Independence is the only credible route.

Visit www.valesnp.scot for more on the case for an independent Scotland.