What does SNP have to hide about separation costs, Tories demand

MINISTERS are running for cover after failing to set out the cost of independence despite receiving report findings a year ago, opponents have claimed.

Nicola Sturgeon was yesterday urged to disclose her financial plans for an independent Scotland after experts claimed the country’s finances will continue to be weaker than those of the rest of the UK.

Tomorrow ministers will publish the latest Government Expenditure Revenue Scotland (GERS) report which is predicted to show that Scotland’s net finances are set to ‘be weaker than the UK position going forward’ due to the slump in the oil and gas industry.

Last year’s report showed Scotland had a deficit of nearly £15billion, and while experts predict a slight improvement it is ‘unlikely’ the figures ‘will make pretty reading’.

At the weekend the Fraser of Allander Institute claimed the country could not operate with the current budget pressures if the SNP wins its bid for separation.

Experts at the Glasgow-based think tank called on the Scottish Government to set out to voters what ‘tough’ financial choices would be made in pursuit of independence.

Now the Scottish Conservatives have demanded that Miss Sturgeon reveals the findings of the Growth Commission which she tasked with addressing the impact of the £14.8million deficit.

This remains one of the major weaknesses of the First Minister’s case for independence and follows the collapse of the oil price. At present Scotland’s deficit is 9.5 per cent of GDP, higher than that of Greece and Spain.

The commission, led by ex-RBS

‘The findings have gathered dust’

economist Andrew Wilson, is believed to have reported to Miss Sturgeon but the findings have not been released.

Tory finance spokesman Murdo Fraser said: ‘Last year, Nicola Sturgeon announced her Growth Commission would set out how independence could be achieved. She’s had the findings on her desk since the turn of last year – where they’ve gathered dust ever since. What has the SNP got to hide?

‘It is time the SNP was up front and let people in on what it would propose. As the respected Fraser of Institute has said this week, it is “crucial” that the Scottish Government is up front about its plan for separating Scotland from the UK.’

An SNP spokesman said: ‘Last week the Tories said they had shelved their anti-independence campaign. This week they’re banging on about the constitution, it’s all they care about.’