Politicians in Scotland call for action to protect independent retailers from crime

The candidates were speaking ahead of online hustings being organised by the NFRN. The hustings, on 19 April, are before elections to the Scottish parliament on 6 May.

Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, said: “I’m proud that Scottish Labour led the campaign in Parliament to deliver greater protection for shopworkers, and during this election we will be fighting hard for small businesses which are the lifeblood of our economy.”

Ash Denham, SNP candidate for Edinburgh Eastern and the minister for community safety in the last Parliament, added: “The SNP wants everyone in Scotland to live in communities where they feel secure and safe from harm. To help build safer communities we are investing in the police, the fire and rescue service and taking action to prevent crime and violence.

“And it is why the SNP Scottish government supported and passed new laws aimed at improving protection for shop workers from abuse and assault. It means Scotland is leading the way on protection of shopworkers by giving staff who work in almost 1,500 NFRN convenience stores at the heart of their communities the protection of the law that they richly deserve.”

Maurice Golden, shadow cabinet secretary for the economy in the last Parliament and Conservative candidate in West Scotland Region, commented: “As someone who ran a convenience store as part of a family business, I know well just how difficult life can be for small retailers. The UK government has provided huge financial support during this past year, but it’s the future that people are now interested in.

“Independent retailers want to get open and start trading again – that’s the best financial solution for them. And when they do, it’s critical that the next Scottish government creates an environment in which they can thrive.”

Christine Jardine, MP for Edinburgh West and the Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson for the treasury and trade, said: “A successful high street provides jobs and a sense of community. We will reform business rates to take the burden off high street retailers unfairly hampered compared to online-only retailers with lower premises and costs.

“We need the next government to have a needle-sharp focus, not distractions. We want to get on with the job of recovery and repair the damage. Scottish Liberal Democrats will put recovery first. Our members welcome the opportunity at this event to listen to the politicians and also raise central issues such as retail crime –  abuse, theft and assault.”

Earlier this week, the NFRN called on the government to offer smaller retailers financial support to help protect them against rising violent crime. The call came after the BBC Breakfast programme reported that the Co-op has invested £140m to improve security in its stores in a bid to protect staff from the increasing number of physical attacks.

The live hustings event will be held at 6pm today (19 April) at 6pm. Members can access the hustings here.