The SNP government must ‘categorically rule out’ axing the modest sum spent on preparing for independence, says Scottish Greens spokesperson for finance Ross Greer MSP.
His statement comes after Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton confirmed that his party would not support an SNP budget which included continued spending on the case for Scottish independence.
Mr Greer says:
“The Scottish Greens have always encouraged other parties to take budget negotiations seriously.
“The Lib Dems have at least entered the discussion this year and although their priorities are different to our own, we think this important debate is better off with a diverse range of proposals on the table.
“However, we would be deeply concerned if a pro-independence government axes entirely the already incredibly modest sum spent on independence preparations.
“If the SNP makes that choice, Green MSPs would find it impossible to support their budget.
“With a Labour government at Westminster continuing with cruel Tory policies like the two child benefit cap, supplying arms to Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza and refusing closer relations with the EU, it is vital that the Scottish Government continues to build a detailed and inspiring case for independence.
“The SNP must categorically rule out this cut.
“Conceding on this point would not only rule out the Scottish Greens’ voting for their budget proposals, it would destroy the wider independence movement’s trust in the Scottish Government.
“The Yes movement can always rely on the Scottish Greens’ support.
“I hope that the SNP is able to quickly reassure us all that the government’s work towards our shared goal of an independent Scotland at the heart of the European Union will continue.”
