Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride has warned that SNP plans to cap the price of staple foods could lead to reduced supplies in Scottish shops. The Conservative MP said that intervening in markets could result in “some form of rationing, undersupply”.
Speaking during a campaign visit to Edinburgh with Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, Sir Mel criticised the SNP’s approach to the cost of living. He argued that the First Minister John Swinney should focus on boosting the economy rather than introducing price controls.
“If you try to artificially reduce the price of things then the incentive to produce them diminishes,” Sir Mel said. “The right way to address issues of people struggling to afford things is to create a wealthier, faster growing economy.”
The shadow chancellor also raised concerns about SNP demands for a second independence referendum, saying it would create “more uncertainty” for businesses and the economy. Mr Findlay urged voters to use the “peach-coloured ballot paper” to stop an SNP majority.
In response, SNP candidate Simita Kumar defended the price cap policy, stating: “People are really struggling with the cost of the weekly shop – so the SNP will take action and introduce a legal price cap on a range of essential food items in big supermarkets.”
