Scottish Secretary David Mundell was yesterday once again unable to name a single power to be returned to Scotland after Brexit following his claims of a “powers bonanza”.
Edinburgh and Cardiff claim the devolution settlement is not honoured under current plans to repatriate powers from Brussels to Westminster as a first step.
Speaking after Scottish Questions in the Commons where Mr Mundell was repeatedly challenged on the issue, SNP MP Tommy Sheppard said: “He could not even say when he thinks he will be able to answer that basic question and name one power.
“This will only add to the widespread fear that he has colleagues in the UK government who do not actually want to see any ‘powers bonanza’ whatsoever.”
Mr Mundell responded: “I have rarely heard such complete and utter nonsense. I will be judged by the Scotland Office’s record on devolution, and that means implementing the Calman commission in full, implementing the Scotland Act 2016 in full and taking forward the return of powers from Brussels, with a presumption of devolution.
“We will deliver, and the people of Scotland will see that we have.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish Parliament has voted to reject any “no deal” Brexit, as well as to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the UK without imposing charges and to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill to respect devolution.
Brexit minister Mike Russell said there was growing public support for Scotland to remain within the EU.
He said: “Scotland’s interests – and the interests of all who live and work here – would be best served by remaining in the EU, and if that is not possible, remaining within the Single Market and Customs Union. If there was a ‘no deal Brexit’, the consequences would go from dreadful to catastrophic. The economic, social and reputational damage such an outcome would inflict would be excessive and unwarranted.
“More and more people are expressing their concern at the damage being done to our economy and public services.
“The Scottish Government cannot, nor ever will, support a no deal outcome and I am pleased the Scottish Parliament has now backed this position.”
Mr Russell also urged the UK Government to reach agreement and give certainty to EU citizens here, and UK citizens in other EU countries.