AS CHRISTMAS draws near, the Tory Government are acting like Scrooge. It’s going to be a bleak time for many, devoid of loved ones who have passed away or restricted from sharing it with family members who would normally gather with them. Financial pressures also mean it’ll be hard times for many.

That’s why proposals to review the Universal Credit uplift of £20, brought in during coronavirus, is an additional worry. The likelihood is that it will be removed when folk are already struggling. In reality, it’s a lifeline for many and even that’s still not enough, as foodbank use testifies too. What’s required isn’t a cut to Universal Credit but an increase to legacy benefits, including pensions and disability payments which so far haven’t had any uplift.

Along with colleagues in my own party and others, I’ll continue pushing to end that threat and provide a safety blanket for all. Times are hard but some things are fundamental and people must have enough to live on and not have to enduring grinding poverty. This is the 21st century, not the Dickensian era.

In Parliament last week, I had an opportunity to push the Westminster Government on action to tackle alcohol harm. A great deal of progress has been made in Scotland, with minimum unit price ending the shameful situation of cheap, high-strength alcohol being available for less than the price of a bottle of water.

But though price and licensing have been addressed, advertising hasn’t and it’s reserved to Westminster. The Government is rightly carrying out a review into online adverts for high fat salt and sugar products. Many of these are targeted towards young people and yet we have a health and obesity crisis.

It’s the same with alcohol. Research shows online advertising is lowering the age at which children are drinking and increasing the amount they’re consuming. Youngsters have been targeted, yet it’s harmful to them and to communities through anti-social behaviour. Protecting them is our responsibility, which is why the review should include alcohol.