Scots’ bid to derail vote

MINISTERS last night brushed aside a bid by the Scottish Parliament to derail Brexit.

The SNP joined forces with Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green members of the Scottish Parliament to vote by 93 to 30 to refuse consent for the Government’s flagship EU Withdrawal Bill. It was the first time the parliament has refused ‘legislative consent’ since it was established 20 years ago.

Scottish Brexit Minister Mike Russell urged Theresa May to ‘respect the will’ of the parliament in Edinburgh.

But Mrs May’s Scottish Secretary David Mundell last night suggested the Government would ignore yesterday’s vote, noting that the devolution settlement had made provision for Westminster to overrule Edinburgh when necessary.

He said that allowed Westminster to proceed with legislation, before adding: ‘That is what we intend to do.’

Mr Mundell said there would be ‘further debate and discussion’ on the Bill, which allows for the transfer of EU regulations into British law and is seen as essential to ensuring a smooth Brexit.