Murdo Fraser warns UK-US tariffs could hit Scotland’s whisky exports amid rising UK business costs. MSP since 2007, ex-Scottish Tory deputy leader.
The UK government announced a 15% business rates discount for pubs and music venues from April 2026, with bills frozen in real terms for two years. Other hospitality sectors, including hotels and restaurants, remain unprotected amid rising costs and sector concerns, prompting industry criticism and calls for broader support.
Recent policy measures, including tax hikes and minimum wage increases, have raised hiring costs for UK businesses, especially affecting sectors with lower wages like hospitality. Data shows firms are slowing hiring, leading to higher youth unemployment and sector instability, with concerns over future growth and business viability.
Recent data shows over 5,200 incidents of violence against teachers in Scotland from 2019 to 2025, with hundreds requiring hospital treatment. Critics blame the SNP government’s guidance discouraging exclusions, which they say has led to increased assaults and declining discipline in schools.