Sturgeon slammed for ‘gaping holes’ in ‘unwanted’ independence plan

Nicola Sturgeon has been criticised by the Scottish Conservative Party, who claimed there are “gaping holes” in her plan to finance Scottish independence. The party’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Constitution and External Affairs said the SNP has not provided “credible answers” on important issues facing the country, such as pensions and the prospect of a hard border with England. This attack came after Ms Sturgeon’s plans for an independent Scotland were rubbished by a leading economist.Scottish economist Tony Mackay said it was “extremely doubtful” that there would be enough oil and gas in the North Sea to finance the SNP’s plans.Donald Cameron, Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Constitution and External Affairs, told Express.co.uk: “Tony Mackay is just the latest expert to point out the gaping holes in Nicola Sturgeon’s economic case for independence.”On top of her failure to provide credible answers on currency, pensions and a hard border with England, the First Minister’s claim that independence would be bankrolled by a £20billion oil and gas revenue fund doesn’t stand up to the slightest scrutiny.”For all of their spin, the truth is that the SNP have never had a viable economic plan for independence.” Nicola Sturgeon has been criticised by the Scottish Conservative Party (Image: Getty)He added: “The SNP need to drop their push for another unwanted and divisive referendum.”Instead they should focus on the priorities of the Scottish people – namely the global cost-of-living crisis and unacceptable NHS waiting times.”Mr Mackay, who now serves as an adviser to Norway’s energy ministry, told The Sunday Times: “The Norwegian oil fund has been very successful, more successful than I ever imagined.”However, I have many doubts over this proposal for a New Scotland Fund because I believe future oil and gas revenues will be very small in the first decade of independence.READ MORE: Sturgeon’s Scottish independence plans rubbished by leading economist Donald Cameron said: ‘The truth is that the SNP have never had a viable economic plan’ (Image: PA)”North Sea oil and gas production has declined massively in recent years as many fields have ceased production.”Only a few remain in comparison with the 1970-2000 period.”He added: “The SNP’s policy towards future developments is far from clear and the Scottish Greens are strongly opposed.”How a New Scotland Fund would be financed is therefore very unclear.”DON’T MISS: Braverman blasts £6.8million taxpayers’ bill for migrant hotel rooms [REPORT] Sturgeon’s Scottish independence plans rubbished by leading economist [ANALYSIS]Britain risks running low on weapons after failing to replace kit [REVEAL] Cost of Scottish Independence (Image: Getty)Earlier this month, the First Minister unveiled the SNP’s latest independence paper, which outlined economic and currency plans for a Scotland outside of the Union.The paper included a proposal on re-joining the EU for access to the Single Market, making it clear that reversing Brexit is key to the SNP’s independence vision.Speaking about the paper, the Scottish First Minister said that the UK Government “cannot be trusted to act in Scotland’s interests”.She said “independence is now essential” in order to “prevent further economic damage being inflicted by Westminster Governments”. Her plans for an independent Scotland were rubbished by a leading economist (Image: Getty)The First Minister claimed that Brexit has made the UK even more “ill-equipped to cope with events like the cost of living crisis”.Ahead of the speech, the First Minister said Scotland had an “abundance of skilled people, innovative businesses, and natural resources”.But the SNP leader warned: “Scotland’s economy is one of the best performing in the UK – however, the UK economy, particularly post-Brexit, is now lagging behind many EU and international comparators.”