Concern over ‘democratic deficit’

Rutherglen MP Margaret Ferrier has said Scotland faces a “vast and expanding democratic deficit” at Westminster

She claims recent polls suggesting strong Conservative support across the UK is at odds with Scotland, where a poll on July 26 put them on 20 per cent.

The same poll had the SNP on 48 per cent, Labour on 22 per cent and the Lib Dems on five per cent.

Ms Ferrier said: “What I find most troubling, is that this poll could be yet another sign that Scotland might continue to be ruled by increasingly right-wing Tory governments against our will, and for the foreseeable future.

“Since the Tories came into power six years ago, their policies have had calamitous consequences for people across the UK.

“In spite of the fact that they have no mandate in Scotland, the Conservatives have cruelly imposed austerity and harsh welfare cuts, have sought to drag us out of the EU, and are intent on dumping Trident nuclear weapons on the Clyde at a cost of hundreds of billions.

“Myself and my SNP colleagues will continue to stand up for Scotland’s interests, but as Scotland’s progressive politics continue to diverge from the Tory-dominated politics of Westminster, people will no doubt increasingly conclude that independence is the only way to ensure that Scotland always gets the governments and policies that it votes for.”

Glasgow Conservative MSP, Adam Tomkins accused Ms Ferrier and the SNP of “sabre rattling.”

He added: “The argument which Margaret makes is the same as the one the Yes campaign made just 23 months ago. People voted clearly and decisively to remain as part of a strong United Kingdom and to face the challenges of the future together.

“The Scottish Parliament is about to have new powers devolved to it including significant control over tax and welfare. They have the powers to make substantially different decisions to those of the UK government and we will work constructively with them where they seek to make improvements.

“We have a golden opportunity to use our new powers to find Scottish solutions to Scottish challenges but retain the protection of the UK single market.

“Let us focus on using them to make our economy stronger, create jobs and address poverty and inequality in our communities.”