CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves’s economic plans have been overtaken by events with “bold and decisive action” needed to protect Scottish industry, according the the SNP’s Deputy First Minister.

Kate Forbes demanded an “immediate U-turn on the National Insurance (NI) hike” and closer ties with the EU in a bid to overturn the referendum result. 

First Minister John Swinney also said many businesses are being hit with a “double whammy” of new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump alongside higher costs through increased NI.