Calls for shift of power to Holyrood

Former shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray has argued powers over agriculture and fisheries should be repatriated directly to Holyrood when the UK leaves the European Union.

Labour’s only MP in Scotland described this as a “natural progression” because on a domestic level they are areas within the remit of the Scottish Parliament.

His comments at the party conference in Liverpool echo an earlier intervention by Gordon Brown, who said the case for giving Holyrood more powers by this means should be examined.

The former prime minister also estimated that if taken forward the Scottish Parliament would need a new funding settlement “over and above” the Barnett Formula.

He suggested this could amount to £750million each year.