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JD Vance trip to Scotland will put taxpayer 'out of pocket', says MSP

JD Vance trip to Scotland will put taxpayer 'out of pocket', says MSP

Speaking to The Herald, Green MSP Gillian Mackay said: 'Very recently Trumps visit demanded a major police operation, which cost Scottish taxpayers millions of pounds, and only weeks later we are going to be put out of pocket yet again.'
Ms Mackay, who introduced anti-abortion protest buffer zone legislation to parliament, also took aim at Mr Vance's 'shameless' and 'misinformed' comments on Scotland's abortion buffer zones.
Ms Mackay's comments come as it has been reported that Mr Vance and his family will arrive in Ayrshire on Wednesday on a private holiday.
The Herald understands no Scottish Government official will meet with the US vice president during his stay.
Last month, the Scottish Police Federation warned the force does not have sufficient resources to handle Mr Trump's visit and said it would lead to officers being unable to respond to some calls.
Police Scotland has already said a 'significant policing operation' would be deployed for Mr Vance who is expected to land at Prestwick airport on Wednesday.
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The Scottish Government told The Herald they would work collaboratively with partners, including the UK government and Police Scotland, "to manage the impact of a potential visit by the US Vice President to Scotland."
Mr Vance is reportedly expected to head to the Carnell Estates at Hurlford, known for offering its guests shooting and fishing excursions.
An anti-abortionist, Mr Vance has previously called for a complete ban of abortion in America and, in February this year, he accused the Scottish Government of 'thought crime' over its implementation of abortion buffer zones.
The law on safe access zones, passed by an overwhelming majority of MSPs at the Scottish Parliament last year, prevents any public protests or vigils from taking place within 200m of abortion providers around the country.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Ms Mackay, who introduced the legislation, said: 'JD Vance has spread shocking and shameless misinformation about my Act that introduced safe access zones in Scotland.
'Disinformation is playing an increasingly dangerous role in our communities and in global politics.
'Today and every day I will stand with the millions of people across the US who oppose the misogynistic and anti-choice agenda of Donald Trump and JD Vance.'
In February this year, Mr Vance used the Scottish legislation as an example of free speech "in retreat" across Europe as he wrongly claimed the act made it illegal to pray in your home.
The legislation has never infringed upon a person's right to privately pray in their own home.
The Scottish Government has since said the comments made by the American vice president are wrong.
The law covers using any "areas" in a buffer zone to publicly display anti-abortion messages and distressing images as it can be seen as aimed at women in the public space.
Those who break the law may be fined up to £10,000 under summary procedure.
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