The Scottish Mail on Sunday

£264m boost for Scotland thanks to UK

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SCOTLAND has benefited from £264 million of foreign investment thanks to the UK Government – underminin­g Nicola Sturgeon’s arguments for independen­ce.

After a week which saw the SNP slash the country’s health budget as part of a £600 million package of cuts, it was revealed that, by being part of the Union, Scotland has attracted more than a quarter of a billion pounds from businesses based abroad.

Critics of the SNP have said the figure is further reason why Ms Sturgeon should drop her plans for another referendum and instead focus on Scotland’s hospitals, police and schools.

UK Government officials working on behalf of Scotland secured investment from Portugal, the Netherland­s, Austria and Saudi Arabia, ranging from technology to food and drink.

Douglas Ross, the leader of the Scottish Conservati­ves, said the investment reflects the ‘global power’ of the UK Government.

Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland, added: ‘The UK Government works around the world to promote the economic interests of Scotland.’

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