GB Energy will keep Putin's boot off our neck

But Chancellor insists Holyrood must take ownership of spending cuts

- PAUL HUTCHEON

LABOUR Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised Scots their heating bills will fall even though the energy price cap is rising.

Reeves said homegrown renewables and insulating homes would "boost our energy security by getting Putin's boot off our neck".

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been blamed for spiralling energy costs.

She also called on the SNP government to take "responsibility" for cuts they are making to public services.

In one of her first acts as Chancellor, Reeves raised the alarm on a £22billion funding black hole left by the Tories.

She announced steep spending cuts, including to the Winter Fuel Payment for older people, and more "pain" is expected in October's Budget.

First Minister John Swinney accused Labour of continuing with austerity and has urged Scots to unite against the new Government.

In an interview with the Record, the UK's first female chancellor rejected the claims of the SNP and pointed the finger at the Conservatives.