‘Public cash for grievances’ as SNP boosts constitution funds

SNP ministers have been accused of using public cash to create more grievances after constitution funding soared.

The party’s Budget document says it will make ‘necessary preparations’ for another independence referendum next year.

The funding allocated to the department responsible for the constitution will also soar by 6 per cent, or £21million, next year.

Scottish Conservative constitution spokesman Donald Cameron said: ‘This budget should have focused on Covid recovery – but the N ationalists can’t help themselves when it comes to pushing another divisive referendum.

‘The SNP Government have all the wrong priorities. They’re more interested in creating grievances with the UK than creating Scottish jobs. More talk of a second divisive referendum is a misguided distraction when Covid cases are rising.’

The Budget documents set out that the total ‘constitution, external affairs and culture’ budget will rise from £349.5million to £370.5milion next year. This includes a £2.8million rise for external affairs, from £30.6million to £33.4million.

Explaining the department’s priorities, the document states: ‘Across our international and European relationships – supported by the work of our external network of offices – we will continue our commitment to internationalisation by building on relationships, celebrating cultural, educational and ancestral connections, and exchanging policy ideas to address shared challenges, ensuring Scotland remains a valued and well-connected nation.

‘We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to EU values, our alignment with EU policy priorities, and make the necessary preparations for a Scottish referendum and subsequently for rejoining the EU as an independent member state.’

Responding to the details, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘What Scotland needs is a government with a laser focus on the issues that really matter – the recovery from the pandemic, the state of our health service and the climate emergency.’

Referring to the issue on social media, Mr Cole-Hamilton listed areas where he felt not enough money was allocated, before adding: ‘Cash for indyref2 though. Chancers.’

Last month, Nicola Sturgeon reasserted her plan to have an independence referendum by the end of next year in a speech to the SNP’s virtual conference.

‘Cash for indyref2 though. Chancers’