Furious SNP threaten action against Theresa May over DUP deal
SNP MINISTERS have threatened a formal dispute with the UK Government in a deepening row over the £1 billion Tory deal with the Democratic Unionist Party.
Northern Ireland was granted the extra funding in return for the DUP's backing on Westminster votes that Theresa May's minority government may have otherwise lost.
It had been thought Scotland would also benefit from any cash deal through the Barnett formula - but Downing Street said no additional money would be handed to Holyrood.
The SNP claimed David Mundell's position as Scottish Secretary was "becoming untenable" after he said at the weekend that he would oppose "anything that could be construed as back door funding to Northern Ireland".
Its Westminster leader Ian Blakford also said Mr Mundell had been left “utterly humiliated” by the cash announcement surrounding the "confidence and supply" deal.
Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has written to the Treasury demanding talks amid claims Scotland should have received nearly £3billion in so-called Barnett consequentials.
As Commons Spearler John Bercow rejected an SNP request for an emergency debate on the DUP deal, Mr Mackay accused the Tories of "ripping off Scotland to the tune of £2.9 billion."
Heseltine blames Brexit for Theresa May’s ‘BAD’ deal with the DUP
The Scottish Government have now called for a formal review of this process
Calling for a meeting with with Elizabeth Truss, Chief Secretary to the Treasury he also said the package had undermined devolution.
He told MSPs: "If this matter cannot be resolved with HM Treasury, then we will invoke formal dispute resolution proceedings to ensure that this matter is resolved."
This would see ministers from both governments tackle the issue through the Join Ministerial Committee.
The comittee was formed through a memorandum of understanding to deal with the relationships between the UK Government and the devolved administrations.
The formula is used to determine annual changes in the block grant to each UK nation, and with every change in funding for devolved issues in England, such as health, Scotland receives extra money.
Downing Street has insisted that the Barnett Formula does not apply to the new money, as it is being provided on top of the block grant given to the Northern Ireland Executive.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has pointed out that the formula also did not apply to the various city deals in Scotland and Wales, or to previous packages of support for Northern Ireland.
Mr Mundell insisted yesterday there had been "no subversion" to the rules.
He added: Only a year ago the SNP were arguing that we should give up the Barnett formula and that we should have full fiscal autonomy which would’ve cost Scotland billions.”
“The Scottish Government have now called for a formal review of this process, I very much welcome that because I’m confident that when it’s reviewed formally it will be absolutely clear that the position the government adopted is fully compliant with the rules."