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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ellie Forbes & Tara Fitzpatrick

Scottish Parliament to vote on probe into Donald Trump's finances

Politicians are set to vote on whether Donald Trump's financing of his Scottish resorts should be investigated.

MSPs will this week debate whether the Scottish Government should pursue an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) - amid growing concerns over how the former US president's holdings in Scotland were acquired.

A UWO is a legal mechanism designed to target suspected corrupt foreign officials who have potentially laundered stolen money through the UK.

The topic has been debated three times in the past year, and although the latest vote would be non binding, it is hoped it will put pressure on the First Minister to act.

The opposition debate on Wednesday is being brought by Scottish Greens co-convenor Patrick Harvie, who said Trump's 'shadowy dealing' need to be investigated.

Mr Harvie said: "There are serious concerns about how he financed the cash purchases of his Scottish golf courses, but no investigation has ever taken place.

"Nicola Sturgeon's claims that it has nothing to do with her have been shown to be untrue.

"It's long past time the government demonstrated that Scotland cannot be a country where anyone with the money can buy whatever land and property they want, no questions asked.

"That's why I'm bringing this vote to Parliament.

"The government must seek an unexplained wealth order to shine a light on Trump's shadowy dealings."

The Trump Organisation has always denied they used outside financing for their Scottish properties, which are yet to turn a profit under his ownership.

Aidan O'Neill QC, who prepared advice for activism group Avaaz, said Scottish ministers have the 'legal responsibility' for pursuing an UWO.

Asked about the matter last month, Nicola Sturgeon said she had not read his argument 'in detail'.

She said the Scottish Government has its own sources of legal advice and that any decisions around applications for an UWO were the responsibility of the Lord Advocate.

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