THE SNP has said Scots are “footing the bill” for Brexit after the UK Government announced it is to spend more than £700 million on border security and customs checks.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove insisted the money would ensure traders are able to “manage the changes and seize the opportunities” when the transition period, which currently keeps the UK in the single market, ends on December 31.

The SNP are stepping up calls for Boris Johnson to seek an extension to the current implementation period which allows tariff free trade, but the Prime Minister has refused.

His refusal comes despite no agreement having been reached between the EU and the UK on future customs arrangements and the heightened prospect of a No-Deal situation in just over five months.

In theory the deadline for an extension request passed on July 1, but it is hoped the EU may be flexible on the deadline to protect its own economic interests.

A survey by Focaldata found 83% of people in Scotland and 77% across Britain say the UK Government should agree to an extension.

Dr Philippa Whitford MP said yesterday’s announcement on border spending underlined the growing cost of leaving the EU.

She also pointed to a leaked letter by Cabinet minister Liz Truss which raised concerns over the lack of the UK Government’s preparations for leaving the EU.

“As Boris Johnson spends another £700m of taxpayers’ money on Brexit borders, throwing up barriers to trade with our European neighbours, it’s clear Scotland is footing the bill for the mounting costs and red tape of a Tory Brexit we didn’t vote for,” said Whitford.

“Time is running out but the Tory Government is not remotely prepared for the chaos of crashing out of the transition period at the end of the year. Even Tory ministers are warning their plans to ramp up bureaucracy, with a flood of new checks at the border, have been a shambles.

“With no good deal in sight, the Prime Minister must put his responsibilities to the economy first and agree to an extension of the transition period, which has been offered by the EU.

“Businesses in the UK are already struggling to survive and thousands of jobs are being lost, we cannot afford the added damage that a bad deal would inflict in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.”

She added: “Scotland has been completely ignored by Westminster throughout the Brexit process and now we are paying the price. The Scottish Government has been shut out of both Brexit and trade talks, with our interests being sidelined, and the threats to our Scottish economy and society are growing.

She added: “Whatever happens, it is clearer than ever that the only way to protect Scotland’s economy and our place at the heart of Europe is to become an independent country.”

In a letter, leaked last week, International Trade Secretary Truss raised concerns over her Government’s border policy and lack of readiness for the end of the transition period – warning Johnson’s plans risk smuggling, legal challenge, and global reputational damage.

This Wednesday, the SNP will lead an opposition day debate in the Commons on the need for an extension.

Scottish Government analysis has said ending the transition period in 2020 could remove £3 billion from the Scottish economy in just two years – on top of the impact of coronavirus. The CBI has warned a No-Deal would block an economic recovery in the UK, and the IMF has warned it could wipe a further 3.5% off UK GDP.

The £705 million package announced by the UK Government includes £235 million for staffing and IT systems, and £470 million for port and inland infrastructure to ensure compliance with new customs procedures and controls.

New border infrastructure will be built inland where there is no space at ports, while ports will get one-off financial support to ensure the right infrastructure is in place.

Of the £235 million for staffing and IT systems:

– £100 million will be used to develop HMRC systems to reduce the burden on traders.

– £20 million will be spent on new equipment to keep the country safe.

– £15 million will go towards building new data infrastructure to enhance border flow and management.

– £10 million will be used to recruit around 500 more Border Force personnel.

The funding relates only to the implementation of the GB-EU border, with specific guidance and measures for Northern Ireland expected in the coming weeks.

Gove said: “We are taking back control of our borders, and leaving the single market and the customs union at the end of this year bringing both changes and significant opportunities for which we all need to prepare. That is why we are announcing this major package of investment today.”

The funding package comes ahead of a public information campaign in which guidance will be given to traders and hauliers explaining what they may need to do to prepare for the end of the transition period.