Transport Minister Humza Yousaf has called for Ministers to unite over "fair funding" for Scotland's railways.

In a letter to opposition parties, the Minister has outlined his concerns after the UK Government revealed the Scottish Government will receive more than £3.6 billion over five years from 2019/20 for its railways, an increase of £600 million on the previous period.

However, Minister Yousaf said the UK Government has departed from the "agreed funding formula" (11.17%), leaving Scotland's railways £600m short.

"My colleague, Derek Mackay, wrote to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 25th September with our reasonable ask on rail funding," he said.

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"The UK Government's response was received after close of business the day before the Statement of Funds Available was due to be published. This is no way to conduct business, and as a consequence the Scottish Government has had to seek an extension of the regulatory deadline for the Statement.

"The UK Government has departed from our agreed funding formula leaving Scotland's railways £600m short. This will undoubtedly impact upon our ability to enhance Scotland's rail network.

"It is of critical importance to Scotland's communities and businesses that we secure a fair financial settlement, which enables the Scottish rail industry to plan for the future with certainty. I am writing to political parties across the chamber to seek their support in calling for fair funding for our railways – I hope they will join with me in standing up for Scotland's rail network.

"I would urge the UK Government to begin serious and detailed dialogue with us on this issue as a matter of urgency."

(LM/MH)