Last week, the SNP unanimously voted to abolish the Scotland Office and Secretary of State role in order to free up £13m, which they believe can be used to aid Scottish households.
George Adam, a SNP MSP commented on the decision: “Scrapping the Scotland Office would free up over £13m which could be spent on measures to lower people’s energy bills in energy rich scandal – a complete injustice understood by all of Scotland and which the Labour Party has utterly failed to address.”
Adam further accused Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State, of failing to defend Scottish interests.
Alexander responded with a plea to work together on devolution: “The Prime Minister’s offer to the Scottish Government is a genuine one, and the Scotland Office is ready to roll up its sleeves alongside them to make it happen. Two governments, one goal – good jobs and real opportunity in every corner of Scotland.”
The vote accompanied a keynote speech delivered by John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, in Aberdeen at the SNP’s annual party conference.
According to Swinney, the independence cause would have been set back decades without the SNP, and he truly believes that “Scotland is ready to be independent.”
Swinney also announced the launch of a “Choose Scotland” campaign designed to rally support for Scottish independence.
The scrapping of the Scotland Office and Secretary of State reflects a move towards further devolution for Scotland, allowing them to gain independence from Westminster and control over decision-making.
Photo by Maja R. on Unsplash.
