“This is what ending austerity in the UK looks like.”

Originally published by the Greenock Telegraph on 10/01/2026

For years, people across Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West have felt the consequences of Conservative UK and SNP Scottish Governments that have asked communities to do more with less. Local services stretched to breaking points, investments had stalled and too many opportunities that had been missed. When I speak to people on their doorsteps at surgeries or in businesses, the message is the same – we need a government that backs our ambition, not one that holds us back.

This week, the UK Labour Government took a major step in that direction of ambition with the announcement of the new Local Growth Fund. This is a £140 million commitment to regional economies across Scotland with money designed to support projects that will create skilled jobs, help to strengthen local businesses and build long‑term prosperity. It’s a three‑year programme that gives regions the certainty and stability they need to plan for the future. For our area, this investment is already taking shape in ways that will be felt for generations.

One of the most significant opportunities is, as we know, the £20 million for the transformation of Inchgreen Dry Dock. For too long, Inchgreen has stood as a symbol of what could be. Now, working with Inverclyde Council, the UK Government is committed to turning it into one of the largest working dry docks in Europe once again.

This investment is part of a broader shift in how the UK Government works with communities. Since coming into power in 2024, the Labour Government has provided the Scottish Government with more than £11 billion in additional funding, the largest financial settlement since devolution began. It is for the SNP Government to make sure the money goes where it is needed and blame for the inaction lies at their door.

This is what ending austerity looks like – it’s investment in people, in places and in potential.

But we need to be honest. After nearly two decades of SNP government, local councils have been pushed to the brink.

Communities like ours have seen services hollowed out – our healthcare system and NHS, our public services, our colleges – and opportunities lost. Now, people face a clear choice. Another decade of decline with the SNP or a new direction with Scottish Labour. Ask yourself: does the SNP deserve a third decade in power?

For my part, I’m determined to make sure Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West get the investment, attention and ambition we deserve. That work has already begun and there is much more to do. From increasing employment rights and raising the minimum wage to reducing energy bills and cutting interest rates, the Labour Government is completely focussed on improving people’s lives. There’s a lot we’ve done in the past eighteen months, but we need to push even harder to deliver for people across the country.

As Scotland begins 2026, the choice could not be clearer. After 19 years, a tired SNP Government is offering more excuses than solutions and our community continues to feel let down. The upcoming Scottish Parliament elections are a chance to choose new energy, new ideas and real change.

And as always, my priority is the people I represent. If you live in Inverclyde or Renfrewshire West and need support, whether it’s with a government service, a local issue or simply finding the right information, please get in touch with my office either by phone on 01475 789 223 or by email to martin.mccluskey.mp@parliament.uk.