SNP insists Brexit bill is a ‘power grab’

SNP ministers have continued to insist Brexit legislation is a “blatant power grab” from Westminster – despite a senior UK Government minister claiming he was “cautiously optimistic” talks could end the deadlock between the two administrations.

First Secretary of State Damian Green and Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney held talks in London, in a bid to resolve the impasse over the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.

The Scottish Government has made clear that as it stands it can not give its formal approval to the “unworkable” legislation, which would transpose EU law into British law but would see responsibilities in devolved areas initially transferred to Westminster.

But after talks at the Cabinet Office Mr Green stated: “I am cautiously optimistic that we will be able to agree a way forward.”

He added: “We had a positive and constructive meeting and we are now starting to get into the nitty gritty of the detail of how we make sure Brexit works for all parts of the UK.”