No War Chest: Murray

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has firmly denied reports of a £150 million fund designated for anti-poverty initiatives in Scotland. Speaking on BBC Scotland's The Sunday Show, Murray dismissed the figure, calling it “made up” and confirming no such allocation was given to the Scotland Office.

Murray clarified that his department’s four key priorities are economic growth, environmental concerns, promoting Scotland’s brand, and addressing poverty. When pressed on whether funds would be used to support pensioners affected by the UK Government's cuts to winter fuel payments, he reiterated that no substantial financial resources were available to his office for such purposes.

“I don’t have a £150 million pound war chest,” Murray emphasized, shutting down speculation.

In addition to poverty alleviation, Murray outlined the broader economic challenges the UK faces. He pointed out that Labour inherited the “worst economic and public service finances situation since the Second World War” and that the UK Government must first address this foundation before meaningful progress can be made.

Responding to criticisms from opposition figures, including Scottish Conservative Chairman Craig Hoy, who accused Labour of misleading the public about the state of the economy, Murray remained focused on future solutions. He expressed optimism for a brighter future, contingent on rebuilding the country's economic framework.

While Murray's office aims to collaborate with local councils and the Scottish Government to stimulate economic growth, he reiterated that the Scotland Office does not yet function as a spending department. Allocating direct funds to Scotland would require a legislative budgetary event.