Penny Mordaunt said police have conducted 22 SNP investigations, adding that «standards matter» in democratic institutions. finance, saying it was a «sad and pathetic» affair.
Penny Mordaunt said there were 22 police investigations into the SNP, adding that «standards matter» in democratic institutions. She added that the cost of the investigation into the party's finances now exceeded £800,000 — more than the £600,000 «missing» funds for the independence referendum that triggered it.
Ms Mordaunt was answering a House question from Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, who referred to the arrests of Nicola Sturgeon and «other high-ranking members of the SNP.»
Mr Ross underlined Sir's intervention the day before, Ian Livingston, the outgoing Chief Constable of Police for Scotland, said the investigation had «gone beyond» complaints of £600,000 missing.
Asked why the Branchform operation took two years, he noted that it had taken a long time to investigate allegations of 'fraud', 'potential waste' and 'misuse of funds'.
Since July 2021, the police have been investigating the SNP's handling of more than £600,000 in donations raised in 2017 for the second Scottish independence referendum.
Supporters filed complaints when reports filed with Companies House in 2020 showed the party had just £97,000 in the bank despite a second referendum never being held.
Officers ransacked the home of Ms Sturgeon and her husband, Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP), for two days. The luxury motorhome was confiscated from his mother's house.
The couple were also arrested along with Colin Beatty, the party's former treasurer. After interrogation by investigators, all three were released without charge pending further investigation. Ms Sturgeon has said she is innocent of any wrongdoing.
Mr Ross told the House of Commons: «The Leader of the House will know that Sir Ian Livingston has confirmed that the SNP's original financial fraud investigation has been extended to look at possible embezzlement and misappropriation of funds.»
“It is already known that former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been arrested along with other high-ranking members of the SNP. Does the leader of the chamber agree with me that this shows how serious the investigation of the SNP dubious finances is? ”
Ms. Mordount replied that“ trust in democracy and our institutions ”was“ incredibly important ”and that is why“ to have strong democratic institutions is so important. ” Ice.
“This is a very sad and regrettable state. Whatever form future investigations take, I hope will be resolved quickly because I think it was a very sad chapter.»
The exchange comes amid a massive exodus of SNP MPs, eight of whom have so far confirmed they will not be contesting their seats in next year's general election. In addition, Western Isles MP Angus McNeil was stripped of his party whip and had his membership suspended after he said the SNP was «not aware» of independence.
The SNP was contacted for comment.
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