Greens demand SNP Government protects spending on Scottish independence at next Budget

Scottish Greens Call for Protection of Independence Spending in SNP Budget

The Scottish Greens have made a demand for the SNP Government to safeguard spending on independence in the upcoming Budget. John Swinney faces the task of garnering support from at least one other party in Holyrood to ensure the passage of his government’s spending plans for the upcoming year. The Liberal Democrats have already stated that they will not support any SNP Budget containing funds allocated for work towards ending the Union.

Reports suggest that the Scottish Government allocated £3.44 million towards independence research between September 2021 and December 2023, with the majority of this budget directed towards the salaries of civil servants working within the constitutional futures division. Green MSP Ross Greer expressed concern, stating that cutting this expenditure would erode trust in the Scottish Government within the wider independence movement.

The debate arises amidst recent comments from Scottish Lib Dems leader, Alex Cole-Hamilton, who emphasised that the public’s sentiments following the July 4th judgement indicated a reluctance to tolerate the division caused by independence, hence recommending zero spending or parliamentary focus towards constitutional matters. However, the Greens have maintained that expenditure on independence should persist.

Greer stressed the importance of diverse proposals during budget negotiations and underlined the necessity for the SNP to sustain investment in building a compelling case for independence, especially given the contrasting policies of the Labour government at Westminster. The Greens have iterated that if the SNP decides to eliminate funding for independence preparations, it would hinder their ability to support the budget proposals.

In conclusion, the Scottish Greens have underscored their unwavering support for the Yes movement and the pursuit of an independent Scotland. They have called upon the SNP to unequivocally reject any cuts to spending on independence to ensure continued trust in the government’s commitment towards achieving this shared goal.

Summary:
The Scottish Greens have urged the SNP Government to protect spending on independence in the upcoming Budget, highlighting the importance of maintaining trust within the wider independence movement. With the need to secure support from other parties in Holyrood for the budget to pass, the debate underscores the differing viewpoints on the allocation of funds towards constitutional matters. As Scotland navigates its path towards potential independence, the budget negotiations reflect the complexities of balancing diverse priorities within the political landscape.