Scotland is slowly easing out of lockdown, but we now face a mounting economic crisis with thousands at risk of losing their jobs. Just across the Clyde we see jobs under threat at Glasgow Airport and Rolls-Royce.

The UK Government has shown it is doing everything possible to save the Scottish economy. Already, this Conservative government has provided more than £10 billion of funding to help Scotland fight the impacts of this pandemic.

Many more jobs would already have been lost if it had not been for the UK Government. So far, the Conservatives’ rescue effort has helped save almost 900,000 Scottish jobs. Close to 12,000 have been saved in West Dunbartonshire alone.

We now need to see a plan to help secure businesses and jobs in the months ahead.

Unfortunately, we have yet to see that from this SNP government. The closest they have come is the ‘Report of the Economic Advisory Group on Economic Recovery’, which offers very few practical suggestions. And it is practical help individuals and businesses need right now.

That is why the Scottish Conservatives have been campaigning relentlessly over the past weeks to speed up support payments and safely re-open businesses.

Read more: OPINION Maurice Golden MSP: Action is needed to save town centres

Backing that up, we are urging people, as I did in my last column in the Clydebank Post, to support their community and buy local.

I am pleased the Chancellor is making that easier with his ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ campaign. Between now and August 31, you can get 50 per cent off your bill at participating restaurants on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I would urge everyone to make use of it and to encourage your favourite restaurant to register to take part.

Getting businesses the support they need, getting them re-opened safely and shopping in our local communities – these are all common sense measures that every political party should support.

I believe that cooperation is in the common good and is what the public expects. So, I would sincerely say to the SNP that, they should work constructively with the UK Government.

That is how we can best serve the people who elect us and help save the thousands of jobs at risk in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland.