LABOUR tax hikes could see “charity shops wiped from our local high streets,” according to the SNP.

Cancer Research UK cited “higher National Insurance contributions” as a factor in its decision to axe about 190 stores, while Scope pointed to “increased staff costs” as contributing to its decision to cut 50.

As the British Heart Foundation announces plans to close about 150 shops, SNP MP Chris Law said: “The Labour Party’s National Insurance tax hike has been devastating for businesses and public services — and now the figures show it will see scores of charity shops wiped from our local high streets.

“I urge the Labour government to think again and scrap its National Insurance tax hike, which has done so much damage to our high street and businesses.”

A British government spokesperson said: “We support charities with one of the world’s most generous tax regimes for the sector, providing £6 billion in relief last year alone.

“We have also protected the smallest businesses and charities from the impact of the increase to employer National Insurance by more than doubling the employment allowance.”