Brown demands rethink of ‘brutal’ programme of MOD base closures

money going across the Irish Sea?

But Derek Mackay’s indignation and threats to invoke a formal dispute mechanism have already prompted a double-take from political opponents here in Scotland.

As the Finance Secretary faced the prospect of his own budget falling at Holyrood earlier this year, he was able to muster up an additional £160 million to meet the Greens’ demands for extra funding for Scotland’s cashstrapped councils. The support of Patrick Harvie’s party meant that the minority SNP administration was able to get its spending plans passed.

It seems the Tories aren’t the only ones with a “magic money tree”. Scotland’s veterans minister has called on the UK government to rethink a “brutal” programme of defence cuts.

The decision last year to reduce Scotland’s defence estate by 20 per cent was “ill thought through and should be reconsidered”, Keith Brown said.

In November, the UK government set out plans to close eight Ministry of Defence (MOD) bases in Scotland including Glencorse Barracks near Penicuik, Redford Barracks in 0 Keith Brown attacked MOD over planned Scottish cuts Edinburgh and Fort George near Inverness.

On a visit to Westminster to hold talks with ministers, Mr Brown said: “I’ve repeatedly expressed my deep concerns about the UK government’s brutal cuts to defence bases in Scotland, as well as the total lack of engagement with the Scottish Government ahead of decisions.

“It is clear from my discussions today that nearly eight months on from those closures being announced, the MOD still has no answers on what this means for personnel numbers, where units will go, or the economic impact of their proposals in Scotland.”

Mr Brown added: “The Scottish Government believes it is utterly wrong to slash personnel and conventional defence capabilities, while investing billions to retain nuclear weapons.” A majority of British voters want devolved administrations to have a formal role in Brexit negotiations, according to a new a poll.

The Survation survey for the Daily Record shows 61 per cent think the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments should be heard at the talks.

Just under a third (32 per cent) do not want the devolved administrations to have a place in negotiations, while 7 per cent do not know.

The poll also shows almost half of respondents (49 per cent) lack confidence in the UK government’s ability to secure a good Brexit deal, while 38 per cent are confident and 13 per cent do not know.

Researchers surveyed 1,017 adults across Britain between 28 and 30 June.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly