Tories hit back at demands

SNP budget demands are merely “manufacturing grievance”, according to a north-east MSP.

Shadow Secretary for Rural Affairs, Peter Chapman, claimed Drew Hendry’s call to protect £500million in annual EU farm payments had already been guaranteed until 2022.

Mr Chapman insisted both governments must work together to devise a new system for rural payments after that. He said: “We now have the chance to create a system that works for us.

“What we need to hear from the SNP is a plan for how they will use the £500million in rural funding.

“Instead of looking to offer solutions or work constructively, we get more manufactured grievance from the SNP against Westminster.”