Robert the Bruce ‘will be on SNP MPs’ minds’

SNP MPs will be thinking of Robert the Bruce – who led Scotland in the war of independence against the English – as they consider the Government’s Brexit plans, a politician has warned.

Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and North Perthshire, accused ministers of sidelining Scotland and the vote for a second independence referendum.

His comments came as ministers unveil the white paper for the Great Repeal Bill, which under so-called Henry VIII clauses will give the Government sweeping powers to repeal legislation without parliamentary approval.

Speaking in Business Questions, Mr Wishart said: “We still haven’t had any statement or response from the Government about the historic vote in the Scottish parliament that we had.

“This just seems to be quite consistent with the way that this Government seeks to treat Scotland.”

“They do know there is no such thing as a common UK approach to leaving the European Union, and this Government couldn’t have gone further out of its way to antagonise Scotland over its plans to leave the European Union.

“So today we look at the Great Repeal Bill and we think of Henry VIII, on these benches we will think of Robert the Bruce.”

David Lidington, leader of the Commons, said the delegated powers would only be used subject to conditions and restraints which would prevent them being abused.

SNP MP Pete Wishart.