The SNP is under fire in Scotland after First Minister John Swinney pledged to send £375k of taxpayers cash to Sudan.
Despite Westminster holding reserved powers relating to the UK’s external affairs such as foreign relations and defence, the devolved government in Scotland said the cash would “alleviate suffering” in the war-torn African nation.
The move has been blasted by the Scottish Tories who have urged the SNP to use “common sense and fund our own services adequately”.
Delivered through Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF), the donations will enable charity partners Christian Aid, Tearfund and Islamic Relief to deliver assistance in Sudan, South Sudan and neighbouring Chad.
Violence has ravaged through Sudan since fighting broke out in April 2023.
The Scottish Government’s commitment to support Sudan and its neighbouring countries spans an 18-month period and forms part of Scotland’s International Development commitment, protected in the draft 2025-26 Scottish Budget.
Last month the UK announced a major aid increase of £113 million for people in Sudan.
This package means Sudan will be among the highest recipients of UK bilateral foreign aid.
Sudan is among the top 20 countries in the world that the UK is gives the most aid to.
The Sudan funding comes just two months after The Scottish Government was blasted for sending £12.5 million of taxpayer’s money abroad to boost education initiatives in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia while withholding millions for struggling councils in a row over teaching numbers.
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, said the latest move showed Scotland was a “responsible global citizen” and displayed the country’s commitment to “standing with those in dire need”.
He added that “Scotland stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Sudan”.
However, the Scottish Tories acknowledged that although this is a “worthy cause the public may question whether this is the best use of taxpayers’ money”.
Craig Hoy, the party’s finance spokesman, questioned why SNP ministers are not prioritising “Scotland’s public services”.
He said: “Given that foreign affairs are a reserved power and that significant sums are being channelled through that route, SNP ministers should instead prioritise Scotland’s public services which are bearing the brunt of years of SNP financial mismanagement.
“The SNP should show some common sense and fund our own services adequately before looking to spend money in matters reserved to Westminster.”
The SNP has been approached for comment.
