Scottish Government civil servants have been drawn into a contentious political battle as they face mounting pressure to accelerate work on the SNP's latest independence prospectus, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Officials have been required to participate in dozens of meetings focused solely on creating what critics are labelling a "propaganda paper" for separation, raising serious questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer-funded resources and civil service impartiality.
Accelerated Timetable Sparks Concerns
First Minister John Swinney has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated with the pace of progress on the new independence document, demanding faster development despite the complex constitutional implications. This urgency has resulted in civil servants being pulled from other government duties to concentrate on the nationalist agenda.
The intensified schedule comes amid declining public support for independence and growing scrutiny of the Scottish Government's priorities during ongoing public service challenges.
Neutrality Under Question
The situation has ignited a fierce debate about the proper role of the civil service in political campaigning. Constitutional experts and opposition politicians have expressed alarm at what they perceive as the blurring of lines between government administration and political advocacy.
One Whitehall source commented: "The civil service exists to implement government policy, not to become embroiled in constitutional campaigning. This represents a concerning departure from established norms and raises questions about the appropriate use of public funds."
Resource Allocation Under Scrutiny
Critics argue that the significant time and resources being dedicated to the independence paper represent a misallocation of effort when Scotland faces pressing issues in healthcare, education and economic recovery. The multiple meetings and dedicated working groups have drawn staff away from other critical government functions.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross stated: "At a time when public services are stretched to breaking point, it's outrageous that SNP ministers are diverting civil servants to work on their independence obsession. This is a blatant misuse of taxpayer money for party political purposes."
Constitutional Battle Intensifies
The development of the new prospectus marks the latest chapter in the ongoing constitutional debate between Holyrood and Westminster. The Scottish Government maintains that exploring independence options falls within its legitimate policy objectives, while UK ministers continue to assert that constitutional matters remain reserved.
As civil servants navigate these competing demands, the situation highlights the increasingly complex landscape of devolved governance and the challenges facing officials tasked with serving both Scottish and UK interests.
