Humza Yusuf's independence plan is an 'irresponsible' waste of public money

Mr. Yusuf has come under fire for a series of public service documents that will shape the new independence agenda. Photo: Andrew Milligan

Aleister Jack accused Humza Yusuf of 'simply irresponsible' spending public money after the First Minister released yet another civil service report promoting Scottish independence.

Scottish minister said SNP ministers put «their obsession» above country priorities such as the National Health Service and the education system.

In a letter to the First Minister, Mr Jack said it was a particular waste of time given that there was no prospect of a new independence referendum and the Supreme Court had ruled that the constitution was a matter reserved for Westminster. Westminster to the Scottish Government and urged Mr Yusuf to «stop being distracted by independence».

Mr Jack sent his letter the day after Mr Yusaf released the latest in a series of civil service documents, which together form a new plan for independence.

It promised that Scottish citizens would retain the right to live and work in England, despite this being a matter for the UK government, and that Scotland would copy the EU by returning to burgundy passports.

Mr Yousaf said that he would renounce his British citizenship, even though the plan said that people could keep it after independence. Mr. Jack said the funds should instead be spent on autonomous government services. Photo: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

But the publication came out a week later, Simon Case, Cabinet Secretary, said it would be «unusual and a little disturbing» if UK taxpayer-funded civil servants were used to try to split the country.

< p>He told the Lords Constitutional Committee that he was considering providing «further clarification and guidance» to Scottish Government civil servants on «what is and is not an appropriate expense».

Mr Case, who is the head of the UK Civil Service, said «a number of cases» had been brought to his attention and he was now discussing the «relevance and ethics» of the matter with ministers.

In his letter to Mr. Mr. Jack argued that ministers are «responsible for the wise use of taxpayer money» and governments for the use of cash in policy areas for which they are responsible.

The Scottish Secretary said: “It therefore seems clear to me that it is simply irresponsible to use Scottish government and public service resources to develop a prospectus for independence or support an independence minister.”

“That is especially true. given that there will be no referendum on independence in the future, and the Supreme Court has unequivocally determined that it is not within the competence of the Scottish Parliament to enact legislation for such a referendum.”

The Dumfries and Galloway MP added: «I believe that by continuing to prioritize such activities, the Scottish government ministers are putting their obsession with independence above the immediate priorities of Scotland.»

«Quite legitimately»,

Mr Jack argued that the funds should instead be spent on transferred public services, and invited Mr Yousaf to «work with us to provide services to businesses and people in Scotland.»

But Jamie Hepburn, the SNP Independence Minister, said the Scottish government was «perfectly legal» to submit the documents as his party won the 2021 Holyrood election thanks to a pro-independence manifesto.

He told the BBC. Radio Scotland: «We have said that in this election we will be promoting a program to provide the people of Scotland with the information they need to make informed choices about the future of Scotland.»

However, the SNP's position on a separate The Scottish currency became even more confused after he insisted it would switch to the new currency «as soon as possible.»

Mr Hepburn struggled to explain how this fit in with the First Minister's signal that Scotland would be willing to subscribe to the euro to secure EU membership.

Insiders in Brussels warn that the requirement will be more strictly enforced on new members following the 2016 Brexit vote.