SNP commits £600k for Scottish independence referendum preparations

A total of £600,000 has been “ring-fenced” by the SNP to spend on preparations for another independence referendum this financial year, it has been revealed.

Supporters of Scottish independence gather at the site of the battle of Bannockburn. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

The decision was made by the SNP’s national executive committee on Saturday and will form part of the party's 2021 budget.

In a post on Twitter, SNP strategist Ross Colquhoun confirmed the commitment, describing the funding as “fantastic news for the cause of Scottish independence”.

He said: “It’s time for us all to work together and make sure that we deliver a big win at #SP21.”

But Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said it was more evidence of the SNP’s priorities being focused on a “divisive” referendum as early as this year.

The Scottish Government intends to set out the timing and question of a second independence referendum within the next five weeks.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford has previously said he wants to hold a vote in 2021.

Mr Ross said: “This clearly shows where the SNP’s priorities lie. As Scotland continues to fight the pandemic, they are focused on pressing ahead with plans for a reckless referendum potentially as early as this year.

“Setting aside this vast sum of money to help preparations for another referendum shows their commitment to return Scotland to the politics of division all over again.

“We should be focussed on continuing the success of the vaccine programme and fighting to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods. Instead Nicola Sturgeon and other senior SNP figures repeatedly refuse to rule out holding an illegal referendum in 2021.”

A proposed date has not yet been set for a second referendum and Prime Minister Boris Johnson opposes all calls for another vote.

Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “This shows the out-of-touch priorities of the SNP.

“People are losing their lives and livelihoods, yet the nationalists want to prioritise a second referendum.”

A SNP spokesperson: "Douglas Ross is a shameless hypocrite.

"We'll get on with the day job of leading Scotland's recovery while they blow millions of public cash on pro-Union propaganda.

"The issue at the election in May will be this – who has the right to decide what sort of country we should be after the pandemic – the people of Scotland or Boris Johnson?"