Obsession threatens to ruin fragile economy

THE SNP’s obsession with independence is damaging Scotland, according to critics who warn that the economy and education are being sidelined.

A newly published report states that investment and jobs in the North Sea oil industry are at stake because of the uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Scottish Labour has criticised the Government for delaying a key report on helping poorer pupils get into university.

The oil price crash has devastated the SNP’s economic case for independence, blowing a £15 billion black hole in the country’s finances.

Now a report by Edinburgh-based analyst Wood Mackenzie has raised questions about the SNP’s management of the sector.

It says there are 11billion barrels of oil equivalent lying in Scottish waters, and a huge decommissioning industry ready to spring up from the need to break up old oil fields. But the report warns: ‘Political uncertainty could deter investors from committing to new projects.

‘Companies will be looking for reassurances that, should Scotland vote for independence, they will continue to have access to the decommissioning tax relief they receive.’

Miss Sturgeon has also insisted cutting the attainment gap between rich and poor pupils would be her Government’s priority, but a report by the Commission on Widening Access is late.

Iain Gray, Scottish Labour education spokesman, said: ‘John Swinney and the Government have their eye off the ball when it comes to issues like improving education.’