MSPs to debate bridge funding row

The Scottish Parliament is to hold an early debate about the controversy over the funding of the new Forth crossing.

Opposition parties, led by Labour, have been pressing for emergency scrutiny of the row between the Scottish Government and the Treasury.

It started after UK ministers knocked back an SNP call to spread the cost of the £2bn crossing over 20 years.

MSPs are expected to pass a Holyrood business motion on Wednesday allowing the debate to be staged next week.

The Scottish Government has insisted its option was the sensible way forward to guarantee the bridge building project.

Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney said Scotland had the cash to pay for the bridge, but could only do so at a cost to other public projects.

UK ministers said the Scottish Government's request was not credible and suggested alternatives, such as building up an underspend or using a PPP tie-up with the private sector - a policy which the SNP has heavily criticised.

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