Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has launched a blistering attack on Westminster, accusing the UK government of deliberate economic sabotage after a major foreign investment was allegedly diverted from Scotland to Yorkshire.
The explosive allegations centre around a significant international business investment that Scottish ministers believed was destined for Scotland, but which ultimately landed in Yorkshire following intervention from UK government departments.
Constitutional Tensions Escalate
Mr Swinney revealed he has lodged formal complaints with both the UK Investment Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland, demanding explanations for what he describes as a pattern of behaviour designed to undermine Scotland's economic prospects.
The First Minister stated unequivocally: "Ministers and officials in Whitehall have actively sought to divert from Scotland a foreign direct investment project which could have generated hundreds of new jobs."
Westminster's Response
While the UK government denies any wrongdoing, claiming they simply promote investment across the entire United Kingdom, Scottish ministers remain unconvinced. The controversy has exposed the raw tensions surrounding economic development and investment strategies between the devolved administration and Westminster.
This incident represents just the latest flashpoint in the ongoing struggle over economic powers and investment priorities following Brexit, with Scottish ministers increasingly concerned about their ability to compete fairly for international business.
