Tories cant's cast fishermen a drift

THE SNP Government have long claimed Brexit is being used as a Tory power grab.

And now their concern is being echoed by unlikely allies.

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation agree the Tories’ EU Withdrawal Bill must be changed.

In its current form, the finer details are unacceptable.

The promise of real power, taking back control, looks hollow.

In their own words, the SFF are telling Brexit allies they must “respect” the devolution settlement.

It’s a tone that Scots Secretary David Mundell better pay attention to.

He’s always insisted his boss in Downing Street fully intends to pass on powers from Brussels.

At the same time, he tries to bat away SNP cries of foul play and betrayal.

It won’t be so easy to palm off the Brexit-supporting fishing leaders in communities switching from SNP to Tory.

The fishermen’s federation call Brexit a “sea of opportunity”.

The UK Government, meanwhile, simply appear to be all at sea.

If Tories are to convince the SFF they mean what they say, ministers will also have to take on board the SNP’s complaints.

Remain voters already feel betrayed. The last thing the UK Tories want is to cast fishing leaders adrift, too.