MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Full fiscal autonomy for Scotland from the United Kingdom, as proposed by the Scottish National Party (SNP), would create dire conditions for the local economy, Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said Monday.
"It would be disastrous for Scotland, and even SNP politicians recognize that."
According to the secretary, should the amendment be adopted, Scotland would be left with a £7-10 billion ($10.8-15.4 billion) black hole in its public finances, since Scotland would lose the higher spending quota it enjoys under the Barnett formula.
“What the SNP do is ask for things that they don't really want. We'll make sure they don't get it because it's bad for Scotland and they'll then claim afterwards that they've been deprived of something,” he added.
Despite the defeat in the September 2014 referendum on Scottish succession from the United Kingdom, initiated by the SNP, the party has since enjoyed rapid growth in membership and support.
The pro-independence SNP won 56 out of the 59 Scottish seats available at Westminster in the May 7 general election.
