SCOTTISH Secretary David Mundell yesterday insisted Westminster is “doing its part” for Scotland as he challenged Nicola Sturgeon to take indyref2 off the table for the economy’s sake.
The country’s only Tory MP was in Glasgow yesterday as part of a series of meetings with “key sectors” of Scottish society.
The date was part of the UK Government’s strategy to prepare for forthcoming Brexit negotiations.
Mundell, who is championing a “Team UK” approach, also held a roundtable with business leaders in Edinburgh last month.
Visiting the Tontine Business Centre, he highlighted Westminster investment in Scotland through the City Deal programme, which will see £1.3 billion sunk into Glasgow and the surrounding area alone.
Westminster is putting £500 million into this deal, which will be matched by Holyrood and the remainder of the cash will come from borrowing by local councils.
“Active discussions” are under way about similar funding for Edinburgh, Ayrshire and Stirling, with plans also set for schemes in Aberdeen and the Highlands.
Mundell said this proved Westminster’s commitment to improving Scotland’s fortunes, stating: “We are doing our part to improve the infrastructure here in Scotland. We are doing our part to ensure we get the best possible deal for Scotland and the UK in EU negotiations.
“Now Nicola Sturgeon could do her part for the Scottish economy by taking the issue of a second independence referendum off the table.”
The comments came as the First Minister unveiled a £100m package to help businesses deal with economic uncertainty as Brexit looms.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce head Liz Cameron, who met with Mundell yesterday, said: “Scottish businesses are looking for a pragmatic and unified approach to be taken on the terms of the Brexit negotiations to reassure our members and protect Scottish exports currently sold in the EU.”
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