SNP leadership contender Kate Forbes pledges to 'pull out all the stops' to support Ukraine's fight for freedom
Kate Forbes has said her Scottish Government will “pull out all the stops to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom” if she is elected First Minister.
The SNP leadership candidate made the remarks during a meeting with the Glasgow branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) earlier today.
“Ukraine is the single biggest geopolitical issue in Europe right now and Russian aggression is the top security challenge.The impact of the war on the rest of the world, including Scotland, cannot be overstated."
Having assisted a number of displaced families in her own constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Kate Forbes said she wished to provide meaningful ongoing support to Ukrainians who are now calling Scotland their home.
Kate Forbes said: “Ukraine is the single biggest geopolitical issue in Europe right now and Russian aggression is the top security challenge. It is vital that the SNP continues to give maximum political support for Ukraine.
“The impact of the war on the rest of the world, including Scotland, cannot be overstated.
“We are seeing this in terms of food prices, inflation, gas prices and the broader impact on the cost of living. All of this has an impact on people here in Scotland and the Scottish Government.”
The finance secretary added: “My government will pull out all the stops to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, by using all public policy and financial levers at our disposal to support Ukraine to rebuild its future as a European democracy, as well as supporting Ukrainians who are calling Scotland their home.
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“I will ensure that we identify and explore further opportunities for the Scottish Government and the public sector more broadly, alongside Scotland’s private sector and civil society, to work with the Ukrainian government and policymakers to help rebuild their country, and ensure Scotland lives up to its place as a friend of Ukraine in its greatest time of need.”
