by Bill Heaney
Scottish Labour has urged MSPs to “back transparency over cover-up” as it lodges a motion calling for a Scottish Parliamentary Inquiry into the SNP embezzlement scandal.
First Minister John Swinney and the SNP have repeatedly rejected calls for an inquiry into the scandal – a position Scottish Labour has branded “untenable” following confirmation that the HMRC is investigating potential VAT fraud.
On Wednesday, Scottish Labour will hold a debate on the issue and move a motion calling for the Scottish Parliament to hold an inquiry.
Scottish Labour said this was “a matter of trust and integrity” and questioned why John Swinney wanted to avoid this scrutiny.
First Minister John Swinney, Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie and Peter Murrell.
Commenting, Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie said: “Questions are piling up about the circumstances surrounding Peter Murrell’s crime spree and with public money potentially misused, John Swinney’s ‘nothing to see here’ act is becoming increasingly untenable.
“This is a matter of trust and integrity in politics and public life.
“If John Swinney has nothing to hide, he should welcome the chance to get answers on this sordid affair – but for some reason, he is determined to try and dodge scrutiny.
“The SNP should have led the way, setting up this inquiry, but instead it falls to Parliament to demand the truth.
“Scotland deserves answers, and I hope on Wednesday MSPs across the chamber will back transparency over cover-up by voting for Scottish Labour’s motion.”