SNP will come round to Brexit through ‘power of argument’

The SNP will cave in to Brexit through the “power of argument”, the Scottish Secretary has predicted.

In his address to the Tory conference, David Mundell said Nationalists must stop “conjuring constitutional grievances” and work together on legislation enabling Britain to quit the EU.

The Conservative MP urged Nicola Sturgeon to back his party’s “common sense approach” to exiting the bloc, saying it included increased decisionmaking powers for Scotland.

“Now is not the time for conjuring constitutional grievances,” he said.

“Now is the time for working together, constructively, as the people of Scotland expect from their two governments.”

He repeated his call for Ms Sturgeon to take Indyref2 “completely off the table” and stop using Brexit to advance her cause for separation.

SNP ministers say they cannot support the EU withdrawal bill, which transposes Brussels laws on to domestic statute books at the point of Brexit, without significant changes.

They are locked in dispute over whether Holyrood or Westminster takes control of those powers, which cover more than 100 policy areas.

Holyrood will get a vote on the bill, although its decision is not legally binding on the UK Government.

Asked if the Tories will reach a deal with the SNP on Brexit, he said: “I think there is a track record of the Scottish Government and the SNP setting out a position that they would not agree certain things, and ultimately by working together, by the power of argument, we have managed to reach agreement.”

Kirsty Blackman, the SNP MP, said: “Instead of attempting to issue ludicrous decrees from on high, David Mundell should be pledging that he and other Scottish Tory MPs will stand up for Scotland’s interests when it comes to Brexit.”

Now is the time for working together. DAVID MUNDELL