The UK minister for international development has urged Scots to remain in the union – and warned foreign aid efforts would be “diminished” by separation.
Alan Duncan MP, speaking on a visit to Aberdeen yesterday, also questioned how effective an independent Scotland could be compared to the work currently being undertaken around the world by the UK.
The Scottish Government has committed to spending 0.7% of the country’s national income after a “yes” vote in September’s referendum, rising to 1% at a later date.
Mr Duncan met staff at Aberdeen-based oil services company ASCO, which he said was a good example of a business investing in the developed world.
On the independence question, he said: “I feel very strongly that both of us would be weaker if we were to separate.
“I am strongly supportive of the union and we really want Scotland to remain in the UK.
“We like you guys, please don’t go away – it’s as simple as that.
“We have some great NGOs (non governmental organisations) here and Scotland has a great tradition of reaching out across the world, but we would like to do this together and not diminish the UK’s development force by breaking up the union.”
A report to Westminster’s international development select committee, headed by Gordon MP Sir Malcolm Bruce, said a “yes” vote could cut £1billion from the UK aid budget.
But the Scottish Government has pointed out that the UK is 8th worldwide in the Contribution to Development Index, with smaller, independent European nations such as Denmark and Norway in the top three.
And Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s minister for external affairs and international development, has attacked successive UK Governments for failing to meet the UN’s target of 0.7% of gross national income for 42 years.
Mr Duncan’s visit to the north-east yesterday also took in meetings with the Wood Family Trust, school children at Dyce Academy and staff at the Oxfam shop in Back Wynd.
The MP also announced that Scottish charities can now apply to have their donations from the public doubled by the UK Government.
The latest round of funding is worth £20million, with £1million earmarked for smaller organisations.