Skip to main content
The Morning Star Shop
Scottish Labour sets out plans to revive the high street
The bus with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar on board as it arrives in Dunfermline while campaigning for the Scottish Parliamentary election

SCOTTISH Labour leader Anas Sarwar said today that his party’s plans could kickstart an economic revival that would reinvigorate the high street.

He was speaking as Scotland’s Covid-19 restrictions were eased, allowing cafes, beer gardens, non-essential shops and museums to reopen.

Mr Sarwar said that the last year “has been the toughest of our lives, but with some restrictions now lifting we have cause for hope for the future.”

Ahead of the May 6 Scottish Parliament election, he laid out his party’s plans to revive local economies. These include a £75 prepaid card for every adult to spend on the high street, and a Scottish staycation scheme which would offer money off a third night of accommodation. 

Mr Sarwar said: “As many as 360,000 of our fellow Scots are still on furlough and many are worried that they will have no job to go back to.

“We can’t go back to the failed economic model pre-Covid, nor can we turn a blind eye to the economic turmoil caused by the pandemic.

“Our bold plans could bring about an economic revival that would reinvigorate our high streets, boost our economy and deliver jobs for the people of Scotland.”

Also today, Mr Sarwar joined his counterparts in an agreement to denounce abuse during the Holyrood election campaign.

The leaders of Scotland’s five major parties backed the Kennedy Commitment, named after late MP Charles Kennedy.

The former Lib Dem leader faced a deluge of personal abuse during the 2015 general election, in which he lost his seat. He died shortly afterwards from a haemorrhage linked to his alcoholism.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf
Britain / 9 January 2022
9 January 2022
It is ‘unfathomable’ that staff are having to keep doors and windows open and ask pupils to layer up for a second winter, Scottish Teachers for Positive Change and Wellbeing says
Similar stories
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar speaking during the Scott
Britain / 21 February 2025
21 February 2025
TACTICAL MANOEUVRE: Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s s
Features / 28 November 2024
28 November 2024
Without challenging the neoliberal framework of our economy or seeking more powers for Scotland, the Scottish Labour leader’s seeming break with Westminster policy rings hollow, writes VINCE MILLS
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sar
Voices of Scotland / 14 October 2024
14 October 2024
Under Starmer and Sarwar, both the UK and Scottish Labour Parties are committed to the dogmas of neoliberalism – although signs are that resistance is growing, argues VINCE MILLS