BORIS Johnson is to spend more than £700 million on new UK border security and customs checks amid concerns of a No-Deal Brexit at the end of the year.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove insisted the money would ensure traders are able to “manage the changes and seize the opportunities” when the transition period, which currently keeps the UK in the single market, ends on December 31.

The Prime Minister has refused to seek an extension to the implementation period despite no agreement having been reached between the EU and the UK on future trade arrangements. The deadline for an extension request passed on 1 July.

The SNP has said Scotland is "footing the bill" for the mounting costs of a Tory Brexit which Scots did not vote for.

Dr Philippa Whitford MP said the move underlined the growing cost of leaving the EU and pointed to a leaked letter by Cabinet minister Liz Truss which raised concerns over the lack of the UK Government's preparations for leaving the EU.

"As Boris Johnson spends another £700million of taxpayers' money on Brexit borders, throwing up barriers to trade with our European neighbours, it's clear Scotland is footing the bill for the mounting costs and red tape of a Tory Brexit we didn't vote for," said Whitford.

"Time is running out but the Tory government is not remotely prepared for the chaos of crashing out of the transition period at the end of the year. Even Tory ministers are warning their plans to ramp up bureaucracy, with a flood of new checks at the border, have been a shambles.

"With no good deal in sight, the Prime Minister must put his responsibilities to the economy first and agree to an extension of the transition period, which has been offered by the EU.

"Businesses in the UK are already struggling to survive and thousands of jobs are being lost, we cannot afford the added damage that a bad deal would inflict in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic."

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She added: "Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process and now we are paying the price. The Scottish Government has been shut out of both Brexit and Trade talks, with our interests being sidelined, and the threats to our Scottish economy and society are growing.

"If Boris Johnson doesn't agree to an extension then he will be responsible for every job which is lost as a result. Whatever happens, it is clearer than ever that the only way to protect Scotland's economy and our place at the heart of Europe is to become an independent country."

In a letter, leaked last week, International Trade Secretary Truss raised concerns over her government's border policy and lack of readiness for the end of the transition period - warning Johnson's plans risk smuggling, legal challenge, and global reputational damage.

On Wednesday, the SNP will lead an opposition day debate in the Commons on the need for an extension, which polls show the majority of the public support. A survey by Focaldata found 83% of people in Scotland and 77% across Britain say the UK government should agree to an extension.

Scottish Government analysis has revealed ending the transition period in 2020 could remove £3 billion from the Scottish economy in just two years – on top of the impact of coronavirus. The CBI has warned a no deal would block an economic recovery in the UK, and the IMF has warned it could wipe a further 3.5% off UK GDP.

The £705m package announced by the UK Government today includes £235m for staffing and IT systems, and £470m for port and inland infrastructure to ensure compliance with new customs procedures and controls.

New border infrastructure will be built inland where there is no space at ports, while ports will get one-off financial support to ensure the right infrastructure is in place.

Of the £235m for staffing and IT systems: – £100m will be used to develop HMRC systems to reduce the burden on traders.

– £20m will be spent on new equipment to keep the country safe.

– £15m will go towards building new data infrastructure to enhance border flow and management.

– £10m will be used to recruit around 500 more Border Force personnel.

The funding relates only to the implementation of the GB-EU border, and the Government is expected to publish specific guidance and measures for Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.

Gove said: "We are taking back control of our borders, and leaving the single market and the customs union at the end of this year bringing both changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare. That is why we are announcing this major package of investment today."

The SNP motion for Wednesday's debate says: "That this House welcomes the European Union’s openness to extend the transition period for negotiations; calls on the UK government to immediately accept this offer and notes the Scottish Government’s publication of 3rd June ‘COVID-19: The Case for Extending the Brexit Transition Period’, warning of the damage a no deal would cause to the economy in addition to the cost of the COVID-19 health crisis.”