The Scottish Parliament has voted down a motion by the Scottish Greens to investigate Donald Trump's business interests in Scotland using an unexplained wealth order. The Greens wanted the Court of Session to probe how the Trump Organisation financed the purchase of the Turnberry golf resort and the Menie estate in Aberdeenshire.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf amended the Greens' motion, with backing from SNP and Conservative MSPs, to state that there 'must not be political interference in the enforcement of the law'. This effectively blocked the investigation. Labour and Liberal Democrats had supported the original motion.
Eric Trump, executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation, warned that the move could deter overseas investors. He said: 'At a critical time when politicians should be focused on saving lives and reopening businesses in Scotland, they are focused on advancing their personal agendas.' He highlighted the organisation's investments and job creation in Scotland.
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie maintained there were 'serious concerns' about how Donald Trump financed the cash purchases. He criticised SNP and Conservative MSPs for blocking the bid, stating: 'Scotland cannot be a country where anyone with the money can buy whatever land and property they want, no questions asked.'
Sarah Malone, executive vice president of Trump International Scotland, called the debate an 'utter waste of parliamentary time' and accused Mr Harvie of 'grandstanding'. She thanked MSPs who rejected the motion and urged focus on vaccination and economic recovery.
A Scottish government spokesman noted that decisions on unexplained wealth orders are made by the Civil Recovery Unit, which reports to the Lord Advocate, not by MSPs.
