PM to announce new Growth Deals on first Scottish visit

Boris Johnson is expected to use his first visit to Scotland since becoming Prime Minister to announce new funding for local communities, and the expansion of Growth Deals.

On a visit to a Scottish military base, he will pledge £300million, which will be split across the UK, to back existing growth plans.

New deals are also expected to be announced for Falkirk, the Islands, and Argyll and Bute.

He will also promise to work closely with the devolved administrations to roll out the funding.

Ahead of the visit, Boris Johnson said: “Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous.

“So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it’s vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom.

“I’m proud to be in Scotland today to make clear that I am a passionate believer in our great Union, and I look forward to visiting Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that every decision I make as Prime Minister promotes and strengthens our Union.

“As I said when I stood on the steps of Downing Street last week, it is time that we unleashed the productive power not just of London and the South East but of every corner of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“Important projects like government’s Growth Deals – today backed with £300m new funding – will open up opportunities across our Union so people in every corner of the United Kingdom can realise their potential."

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It’s really great news that the Prime Minister is committed to ensuring that every part of Scotland benefits from UK Government Growth Deals.

“This investment will enable us to build on the success of our existing Growth Deals, which are helping to create jobs and boost local economies right across Scotland.

“I have been closely involved with the new Borderlands Growth Deal, which is a fantastic example of the UK Government working with partners to address local needs.

“The UK Government has already committed more than £1.39 billion to City Region and Growth deals in Scotland. Eight are already in place and work to finalise a ninth in Moray is underway.”

Commenting on the Prime Minister's remarks about Growth Deals a spokesperson for Finance Secretary Derek MacKay said: “There is nothing new in this announcement of deals which are already under discussion and £300m for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland falls far short of what is required, when the UK Government is already lagging behind the Scottish Government’s funding of City and Growth deals by around £400 million.

"In the face of a No Deal Brexit which would push the UK and Scotland into recession and put hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk, Boris Johnson appears to be fiddling while Rome burns.

“Investment in Scotland is always welcome but on top of delivering on this existing commitment the new Prime Minister must honour his new found belief in the Barnett formula by transferring a full share of the £3.6bn announced for towns in England to the Scottish Government, further funding for No Deal planning as well as the £160m of farming funding that has been withheld, a fair share of the funds given to the DUP to prop up the UK Government and the outstanding £175m of Police and Fire VAT charges that have yet to be returned.

“If Mr Johnson thinks he can win over Scotland with recycled and underfunded spending plans he has a lot to learn in his new role."