After meeting with the Scottish Retail Consortium, I was deeply concerned to hear their views that the new Scottish budget will cause self-inflicted economic harm on businesses and consumers.
The SNP's failure to pass on the 75% rates relief to small businesses is stifling economic growth and making life harder for hard-working business owners.
In the Scottish Parliament, I raised this issue with the SNP government and I will continue to do so.
I will always stand up for local business owners.