David Cameron has declared “no-one is keener” to reach an agreement on the funding deal underpinning the devolution of further powers to Scotland than him.
The prime minister said yesterday he wanted the fiscal framework settled so the SNP could get rid of its “grievance agenda” and have to start making decisions.
New responsibilities for tax and welfare are being transferred from Westminster to Holyrood via the Scotland Bill.
But the crucial financial arrangement setting out how Scotland’s annual block grant from the UK Treasury will be adjusted to take account of the new powers remains undecided.
The two sides have been locked in protracted negotiations and this week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused the Treasury of trying to “systematically reduce the Scottish budget”.
Mr Cameron’s remarks came during Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons in response to SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson.
The Moray MP asked why the Treasury was proposing plans that could be detrimental to Scotland to the tune of £3billion.
Mr Cameron told MPs that Ms Sturgeon and Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney had to “recognise there must be fairness across the rest of the UK too”.
He added: “No-one is keener on agreement than me.
“I want the SNP here and in Holyrood to have to start making decisions – which taxes are you going to raise? What are you doing to do with benefits?
“I frankly want to get rid of this grievance agenda and let you get on with a governing agenda and then we can see what you’re made of.”
He also pointed to the 94% collapse in the oil price, claiming Scotland would be “just weeks away from a financial calamity” had Scots voted for independence.
Mr Robertson said whether on the Scottish referendum or across the UK on EU membership, voters had a “right to know that what is promised by the UK Government can be trusted and will
be delivered in full”.
Earlier at Scottish questions, shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray quipped that Andy Murray’s newborn daughter could be winning Wimbledon before a settlement is agreed, questioning the time spent on the negotiations.
But Scottish Secretary David Mundell insisted one was “within touching distance”, adding: “Both sides have done the dance, let’s do the deal.”