Lib Dems to vote down Scottish Budget if SNP spends ‘one penny’ on independence

Liberal Democrats Ready to Oppose Scottish Budget Over Independence Expenditure

In recent statements, Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton declared that his party would not support the Scottish Government’s budget if any funds were allocated towards independence. Cole-Hamilton emphasized that even spending as little as a penny on the constitution would lead to the Lib Dems voting against the budget. As the SNP operates as a minority government with 62 MSPs, three short of a majority, they will require backing from opposition parties to pass their financial plans. The party previously relied on the Greens for support, but that partnership dissolved after the termination of the Bute House Agreement. With four MSPs in Holyrood, the Liberal Democrats could play a pivotal role in shaping the budget decisions.

Cole-Hamilton pointed out significant disparities in ideologies between the SNP and the Lib Dems, making it challenging to reach common ground. He stressed the need for the SNP to convince his party that they will not prioritize constitutional issues over other crucial matters. The Liberal Democrats view any spending on independence as a misuse of public funds, regardless of the amount. Cole-Hamilton confirmed that he would oppose a budget containing funds allocated towards independence spending, highlighting the Lib Dems’ firm stance on the issue.

Scotland in Union, a campaign group, revealed that the Scottish Government has already spent up to £3.5 million on independence since the 2021 Holyrood elections. This expenditure includes costs related to promoting independence, the now-defunct independence minister position held by Humza Yousaf, and legal battles regarding a potential constitutional referendum. Despite ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the budget, Cole-Hamilton reiterated the significant differences remaining between the two parties. While acknowledging some positive developments, he emphasized the substantial gap that still exists, largely due to the challenging financial circumstances facing Scotland.

The Scottish Greens, on the other hand, have indicated that they would vote against a budget that excludes spending on independence. Ross Greer, the MSP leading the Greens’ negotiations with the government, expressed concerns about the removal of what he described as essential funding for constitutional matters. As the budget date approaches, tensions are rising as parties position themselves on opposite sides of the debate.

In summary, the Liberal Democrats’ strong opposition to any allocation of funds towards independence in the Scottish budget sets the stage for potential clashes and negotiations in the coming weeks. With the SNP requiring cross-party support to pass their financial plans, the decisions made in the upcoming budget will undoubtedly have significant implications for Scotland’s future.