A new report from the Scottish Government outlining why rural communities would benefit from independence has been branded a work of fiction by Murdo Fraser MSP.
The report, entitled Scotland’s future: Connecting Rural Scotland claims separation would result in new ways of providing more efficient services to rural areas.
The Government claims an independent Scotland, would be able to “ensure maximum availability of mobile telecoms throughout Scotland.”
However this would be very difficult under SNP plans for a GB wide telecommunications market, which they promise in the White Paper.
The rural report also claims the Scottish Government would introduce a permanent cut in energy bills under independence, but fails to explain how this would be paid for.
The SNP further claim that the Royal Mail would be re-nationalised, but have no idea how much this would cost.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“This is the type of report we have come to expect from the Scottish Government and, like the White Paper it is woefully short on detail and figures.
“It is an insult to rural areas of Perthshire to continue promising cuts to energy bills, better mobile communication and nationalisation of services, without saying how much any of this is going to cost.
“Instead of resorting to policy bribes in a desperate attempt to appeal to voters ahead of September, the SNP should be using the powers it already has to improve mobile connectivity in Perthshire.”