Stand up against UK power grab

Sir, – Devolution and the Scottish Parliament were largely brought about by the Labour Party, notably John Smith and Donald Dewar, with the support of the Lib Dems, particularly David Steel, and the strong support of the Scottish people, and the Parliament has increased in popularity over the years, to be now an integral part of Scottish life.

Its importance, and its powers, were confirmed by the UK Government and the Labour Party leader, Gordon Brown, during the 2014 independence referendum, when the Scottish people were promised enhanced powers, and “the most powerful devolved administration in the world”.

But now the Westminster government, because they see the people of Scotland, who never vote for them, and didn’t vote

for their Brexit, as an obstacle to their plans, and are in the process of emasculating the Scottish Parliament by taking to themselves the devolved powers returning from Europe, thus enfeebling Holyrood and reinforcing what we already knew, that powers devolved are powers retained.

They are already engaged in developing, at great expense to the taxpayer, a huge Westminster outpost in Edinburgh, as well as a new office in Glasgow, to administer the powers they are grabbing, designed to weaken the existing Scottish Parliament.

And the rumour is that Ruth Davidson, a Conservative favourite who was consistently rejected by Scots at the ballot box, is now apparently to be ennobled so that she can be imposed, as viceroy or some such, to rule over us, without the hindrance of the ballot box, in perpetuity.

Surely it is time that

the Labour Party in Scotland, and indeed the LibDems too, honour Smith, Dewar and Steel and their democratic legacy and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Scottish Government, and the majority of the Scottish people, to oppose the power grab by this alien London cabal who have no credibility or legitimacy in Scotland.

And, if necessary, to stand with the SNP in the Holyrood election next year on a platform demanding a second referendum on independence.

Les Mackay. Carmichael Gardens, Dundee.