A plan to put a union flag plaque on any new UK government funded infrastructure project has been unveiled by the chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander.
The plaque will be put on investments such as HS2, motorways and major trunk roads. They will feature the union jack and the message “Funded by UK Government, and will “proudly adorn infrastructure investments from roads in Cornwall to broadband in Caithness”, Alexander said.
The Cabinet Office minister, Francis Maude, said: “As part of our long-term economic plan, this government is investing in our nation’s physical and digital infrastructure.
“Whether it’s high speed 2, investment in the ‘northern powerhouse’ or superfast broadband connecting Cornwall and Wales, all future infrastructure projects funded for by UK taxpayers will carry this simple UK flag branding.”
The SNP’s deputy leader, Stewart Hosie, described the plaques as a silly gimmick which did not disguise the coalition’s cuts to overall infrastructure spending and Scotland’s capital budget.
He said: “Putting a sticker on projects is a silly gimmick by Danny Alexander and his Tory bosses, which can’t cover over the fact that his government at Westminster has slashed infrastructure spending – destroying jobs and delaying economic recovery – including cutting Scotland’s capital budget by a quarter.”
