The SNP and Labour must reach an agreement over funding for Forth Road Bridge before it destroys the Fife economy.

These comments were made by West Fife’s MP Willie Rennie, who today in the House of Commons spoke of his anger at the political squabbling between Holyrood and Westminster over delays for funding for the bridge which he believes are being made at the expense of the Fife economy.Willie Rennie MP: Dunfermline & West Fife

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

"The SNP and Labour must reach an agreement on this quickly before it has an effect on an already battered Fife economy.

"I'm frustrated that Jim Murphy didn't come up with real new money as the UK Government has accepted the principle that they should assist Scotland.

"The SNP also need to explore all methods of paying for the crossing instead of simply blaming London.

"I fear that Alex Salmond and Jim Murphy are letting their political differences get in the way of finding a solution to this vital project for Scotland. Their stubbornness is damaging."

Notes:

1. The full text of Mr Rennie’s question and the response by Minister Jim Murphy can be found below.

River Forth (New Crossing)

6. Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West Fife) (LD): What the outcomes were of his recent discussions with the Chief Secretary of the Treasury and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth in the Scottish Executive on funding for the construction of a new crossing over the River Forth. [271866]

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Jim Murphy): I want to see the new crossing over the River Forth built. We had a constructive meeting on 4 March and identified a number of ways of dealing with the funding of a new bridge.

Willie Rennie: I thank the Scottish Secretary for that answer. People in Fife are getting exasperated by the failure of the Scottish Executive and the UK Government to reach an agreement on this. The £1 billion that has been offered is not new money, and not a single penny has been raised by the Scottish Government to pay for this bridge. I know that the Scottish Secretary and the First Minister aren't best buddies, but can they please kiss and make up and sort out this problem before it has an effect on Scottish jobs and Scottish investment?

Mr. Murphy: I know that the hon. Gentleman has been campaigning for this bridge for some time, as have my hon. Friend the Member for Glenrothes (Lindsay Roy) and others in Fife. We had that meeting, and we offered a package of support of up to £1 billion for the new Forth road crossing, including £500 million as consequentials from Crossrail. I am disappointed, and I think all of Scotland will be disappointed, that the Scottish Government at the moment refuse to accept this offer of unprecedented support for this Forth crossing, but despite the opposition, the offer still lies on the table.