SNP and Tory MSPs block Trump wealth order
SNP and Conservative MSPs have joined forces to block a call for the Scottish Government to seek an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) on Donald Trump’s golf courses in Scotland.
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie brought the issue to Holyrood after legal advice [1] showed that it was in the power of the First Minister and her cabinet to pursue a UWO, also known as a ‘McMafia’ order.
However, Justice Secretary Huma Yousaf repeated the Scottish Government’s line that the decision should be left to the Crown Office.
The motion was defeated by SNP and Tory MSPs.
Responding, Patrick Harvie said: “Given the legal advice clearly shows that it is for the First Minister and her government to seek an unexplained wealth order as a civil action, it’s very disappointing to see ministers pass the buck like this.
“Unfortunately, today's debate confirmed the Scottish Government remains unwilling to investigate Trump’s gold courses.
“Scotland cannot be a country where anyone with the money can buy whatever land and property they want, no questions asked, and the Scottish Greens will continue to challenge vested interests that protect people like Trump rather than our communities.”