Scotland’s Shadow Secretary of State has called for the military to be mobilised to clear snow and deliver essentials to communities that have been cut off by the extreme winter weather.
With more snow expected, Andrew Bowie MP warned the “critical” situation has left people across the North and North East of Scotland without food and medical supplies.
He has now written to John Swinney urging the Scottish Government to “mobilise all available resources” and to request military support from the UK Government.
Hundreds of schools remain closed today, while supermarket shelves have been cleared of essentials.
Transport has also been heavily affected, with trains, buses and Aberdeen Airport flights all cancelled.
In his letter to John Swinney, Scottish Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Andrew Bowie, said: “The situation has now become critical. Many people are increasingly cut off, with access to essential food supplies and medical provisions becoming extremely difficult and, in some instances, impossible.
“There is a real and growing risk that individuals may be left without basic necessities unless urgent action is taken.
“While emergency services, gritters, farmers and volunteer groups are going above and beyond to support their communities, in many cases they are quite simply overwhelmed by the scale and persistence of the conditions.
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“Given the seriousness of the situation, I would ask that the Scottish Government urgently considers mobilising all available resources, including the armed forces, to assist with snow clearance, the delivery of essential supplies, access to remote communities and transportation to hospitals.
“In addition, I would urge the Scottish Government to take further steps to inform and reassure the public, through leaflets and online resources, with clear guidance on how to keep you and your family safe and how to request help during emergencies.”
