Johnson accused of hostile agenda by SNP

Boris Johnson has been accused of launching a “full-scale assault” on devolution after Westminster moved to take more powers back from Brussels.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the prime minister had a “hostile agenda” against Holyrood after UK ministers decided to hold former EU powers in Whitehall.

Mr Blackford, speaking at prime minister’s questions, said: “Tomorrow this Tory government will publish legislation for its biggest power grab since the Scottish people voted overwhelmingly for the Scottish Parliament in 1997. Westminster’s plan to impose an unelected, unaccountable body to rule on decisions made by the Scottish Parliament will not be accepted.”

Mr Johnson replied: “On the contrary, what we are doing is possibly the biggest single act of devolution to Scotland, to Wales, to Northern Ireland, in modern memory and he should be celebrating the 70 powers or more that are going to be transferred to the elected people in Scotland.”