Secretary visits Scotland

Brexit Secretary David Davis has rebuffed Nicola Sturgeon’s calls for Holyrood to be given powers over areas such as immigration as part of the UK’s deal on leaving the EU.

The First Minister wants her Government to take charge of migration, as well as being allowed to strike its own international deals, and she has warned Theresa May that if her demands are not met and the UK pursues a so-called “hard Brexit”, she will call a second independence referendum.

A consultation that could pave the way for another vote on Scotland’s place in the UK has just been launched by the Scottish Government.

Mr Davis was in Scotland yesterday for talks with his Holyrood counterpart Mike Russell, as well as leading figures from business and other sectors.

He said the UK Government is aiming to get “the maximum possible barrier-free access to the European Union market” as it negotiates its way out.

When asked if the First Minister is being “realistic” with her demands, he said: “They are both reserved powers. Immigration and international affairs are both reserved powers.”