£2,000,000,000
...that’s Scotland’s post-Brexit boost from UK Government
SCOTLAND’S economy has been boosted by more than £2 billion from the UK Government, according to figures that vividly highlight the benefits of the Union.
As part of its ‘levelling-up’ policy, Westminster has increased its spending on projects in every corner of Britain, from road improvements to urban renewal.
Last week Nicola Sturgeon announced her latest plan to try to break up Britain, outlining a comsuch plicated legal challenge in the Supreme Court and potentially using the next general election as a ‘de facto’ vote on independence.
The UK Government has declined to enter into any public debate about her strategy, simply saying: ‘Now is not the time for another divisive referendum.’
Instead, however, Ministers have flagged up one of the enormous financial benefits Scotland enjoys as part of the UK.
They stress that – unlike the SNP’s obsession with the constitution – they are determined to tackle ‘big issues which matter most to people, as the cost of living’. A senior UK Government figure said: ‘More than £2 billion has been invested in Scotland by the UK Government to pursue our levelling-up agenda.
‘Projects and initiatives funded by this cash will create jobs, drive economic growth and bring investment to all parts of Scotland.’
The £2 billion UK Government funding includes £52 million to create two Scottish freeports to attract inward investment.
Millions of pounds have been spent on Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen to fund medical research, improve transport links and city centres, while historic landmarks get funding to boost tourism.
In Glasgow, £13 million is being invested in a heritage centre and visitor attraction at Pollok Country Park. Edinburgh is witnessing a £16 million regeneration on the coast at Granton. Aberdeen gets £20 million to redesign the city centre and enhance infrastructure, while in Falkirk £20 million will improve roads.
Scottish Tory local government spokesman Miles Briggs said the money would ‘truly transform’ Scotland. He added: ‘This direct investment from the UK Government has the potential to transform our communities and boost our post-pandemic recovery.
‘Even many SNP-led councils have recognised the value of applying to these UK Government funds, ignoring the cries of a power grab from colleagues in Holyrood.
‘People want to see their governments work together to boost jobs, investment and opportunities. The full focus of the SNP Government should be on supporting people through the cost of living crisis, rebuilding our public services, rather than putting these issues on the back burner for another divisive referendum.’
Combining all Westminster deals to aid business growth, £1.5 billion has been given to Scotland.
The UK Levelling Up Fund secured £172 million in investment with a further £212 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Government also runs a Strength in Places Fund worth £81 million which tailors funding to the resources of towns and cities.
‘Before they start the next game, does anyone know why we’ve been put in special measures?’ ‘Tackle big issues that matter most to people’ ‘Potential to transform our communities’
The remainder of the £2.082 billion spend will finance community ownership investment and a community renewal fund.
Last night the Scottish Government said the levelling-up funding was not enough to replace preBrexit cash from Europe.
Employment Minister Richard Lochhead said: ‘The UK Government has reneged on its promise to replace the loss of EU funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Scotland’s communities, which benefited from decades of EU investment, are losing out.’