SNP faces police probe demand over alleged misuse of referendum funds

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has been urged to reopen a police investigation after campaign group Wings Over Scotland, represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, argued that £660,000 raised for a second independence referendum was spent on routine party costs. John Swinney confirmed the diversion, and legal counsel has written to Police Scotland demanding a new probe, despite previous investigations being deemed closed.

Analysts warn that a renewed push for a second referendum could have significant implications for the United Kingdom’s foreign policy and economy. Scotland accounts for about 8.8% of UK exports and 5.5% of imports; its separation could erase a £2.5 billion trade surplus and force costly relocations of defence assets such as the Trident submarine base. The SNP also proposes a network of embassies comparable to Norway, which would require substantial funding.

The combined controversy over finance and the broader geopolitical fallout underscores heightened scrutiny of the SNP’s plans ahead of any future vote.