SNP take swipe at ‘silly’ Union flags campaign

A ROW erupted last night over plans to display the Union Flag on roads and bridges across the country.

Union flag campaign PH

SNP have criticised plans for union flag plaques to be put on major infrastructure projects

Plaques featuring the British flag alongside the message “Funded by the UK Government” will be placed on major infrastructure projects, ministers will announce today.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said it was important to “recognise the contribution of the UK taxpayer”.

But Scottish Nationalists view the plaques as a deliberate attempt to shore up support for the union following a huge increase in SNP membership after last year’s independence referendum.

Mr Alexander said: “I’ve prioritised infrastructure in this Government because only long-term investments will support UK businesses and get the public finances and economy on to a firm footing.

“It’s only right that we recognise the contribution of the UK taxpayer in supporting this economic growth, which is why I’m delighted to launch these Union Jack plaques, which will proudly adorn infrastructure investments from roads in Cornwall to broadband in Caithness.”

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude added: “As part of our long-term economic plan, this Government is investing in our nation’s physical and digital infrastructure.

Whether it’s High Speed 2 investment in the northern powerhouse or superfast broadband connecting Cornwall and Wales, all future infrastructure projects funded by UK taxpayers will carry this simple UK flag branding.”

But the SNP, which spent £26million translating road signs into Gaelic, hit out.

Danny AlexanderPA

Danny Alexander has been heavily criticised for the union flag plaques

Putting a sticker on projects is a silly gimmick by Danny Alexander and his Tory bosses, which can’t cover over the fact that his government at Westminster has slashed infrastructure spending – destroying jobs and delaying economic recovery – includ

SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie

SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie described the plaques as a “silly gimmick”.

He said: “Putting a sticker on projects is a silly gimmick by Danny Alexander and his Tory bosses, which can’t cover over the fact that his government at Westminster has slashed infrastructure spending – destroying jobs and delaying economic recovery – including cutting Scotland’s capital budget by a quarter.

“Despite this, the Scottish Government is delivering over £11billion of investment over the three years to 2015/16.

Instead of the huge cuts imposed by Danny Alexander and the Tories, people across the UK would prefer more infrastructure investment, and fewer gimmicks.”

It comes just weeks after SNP MSP Joan Mc-Alpine, a former aide to Alex Salmond, said the UK Government was being petty and intolerant by putting the Union Flag on UK driving licences.

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