Mairi Gougeon, a departing SNP Minister, accrued a £33,000 expense during a Scottish Government trip to Chile aimed at promoting economic ties and the aquaculture sector. The visit faced backlash for its considerable cost amid Scotland’s financial challenges, leading to scrutiny from opposition parties demanding more accountability and focus on local issues. Despite criticisms, the Scottish Government defended the trip’s purpose and its economic significance.
The departing Scottish National Party (SNP) Minister Mairi Gougeon incurred a significant £33,000 expense during a Scottish Government trip to Chile. This two-week visit in March aimed to enhance a memorandum of understanding with Chile established during COP26 and to promote Scotland at the AquaSur aquaculture trade fair. Gougeon was accompanied by two officials on this taxpayer-funded journey, which prompted scrutiny given the ongoing restrictions on foreign affairs, which are under Westminster’s jurisdiction.
Initially, the Scottish Government reported a bill of only £7,880 for Gougeon’s ministerial engagements. However, subsequent freedom of information inquiries revealed that the total cost for travel and official expenses reached £25,075.71, with ministerial costs amounting to £8,186. Additionally, Gougeon’s next month’s trip to Barcelona added £3,028 to the expenses, with her officials contributing an extra £1,023.17.
As Gougeon prepares to resign from her position as an MSP at the next Holyrood Election, her tenure has garnered mixed reviews due to contentious funding choices that affected both fishermen and farmers. Her visit to Chile transpired amidst severe financial constraints facing the Scottish Government, which included significant funding cuts and a highly criticized budget led by Humza Yousaf.
Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader Rachael Hamilton expressed concerns about the high expenditure on Gougeon’s trip, emphasizing that many taxpayers may view the costs as unjustifiable amidst pressing local issues. Hamilton remarked on the necessity for SNP ministers to limit their international trips and focus on significant domestic matters.
Despite criticisms, the Scottish Government defended Gougeon’s visit, asserting that promoting economic growth remains a key priority. The Government highlighted her participation in meaningful discussions at the AquaSur Conference and on global aquaculture sustainability, emphasizing Scotland’s leading role as a major salmon producer and the importance of the aquaculture sector to the national economy.
In conclusion, Mairi Gougeon’s overseas trip to Chile has raised significant concerns regarding expenditure amid pressing financial issues in Scotland. The revelation of her £33,000 bill highlights the need for better accountability among government officials regarding taxpayer funds. While the Scottish Government maintains that such trips promote economic interests, criticism from opposition parties underscores the need for restraint and prioritization of domestic challenges.
Original Source: www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk
