New figures show a rise of 65 per cent in the number of disabled people being sanctioned and a 76 per cent increase in women bearing the brunt of the cuts.

Lone parents have been hit the worst, with a staggering 563 per cent rise since 2009. It is estimated that by 2020 – just six years away — 100,000 more children will be pushed into poverty.

An answer to a Written Question from SNP MSP Kevin Stewart found that, since 2009, there has been a 65 per cent increase in the number of disabled people being sanctioned and a 76 per cent increase in women being sanctioned.

It is incredible to me that in Britain today – the 14th richest in the western world – people cannot afford to put food on the table.

And in an oil rich country with wonderful natural resources such as Scotland, we have the highest energy prices in the world – this simply does not make sense whatever way you look at it.

It is shocking to see that the areas that most need support, such as some parts of West Dunbartonshire, are those hardest hit by these vicious Westminster reforms.

Fortunately, we do have the chance to vote for change on September 18 and we are extremely privileged to be given this historic opportunity to create a better society for our children and grandchildren.

Voting Yes says we do not accept the inequality that is getting worse under the governance of Westminster, and we could do things much better if we had control of our own affairs.

Voting No says we accept the privatisation of the National Health Service which is happening in England, spending billions on renewing weapons of mass destruction on our shores, cutting benefits to the most vulnerable people in society and squandering another 40 years of oil money by propping up City of London bankers and profiteers.

In fact, I do not have enough space in this column to list the dire consequences of voting No – and this is not scaremongering – simply fact.

On a happier note, it was great to see so many people in the town turn out to cheer on the proud Commonwealth baton carriers last week. It was a terrific day and a happy highlight of the year for many.

My surgeries have closed for the summer recess, but you can contact me for a personal appointment at gil.paterson.msp@scottish. parliament.uk, or at my Clydebank office on 0141 952 9677.