Mundell: Brexit strengthens, not damages, the UK
BREXIT is not damaging devolution but strengthening it, David Mundell will insist today, less than 48 hours after Sir John Major warned it could lead to Scottish independence.
The Scottish Secretary will also use a speech in Edinburgh about 20 years of devolution to reject SNP claims Westminster has conducted a “power grab” under cover of Brexit.
He will say: “I reject completely the argument put forward by opponents of devolution that it has been crushed by Brexit. I do not believe Brexit will damage devolution. I want it to strengthen devolution, and I believe that can and will happen.”
The comments are dramatically at odds with those of Sir John, who warned the “agonies of Brexit” could end devolution and the Union.
In a speech at Glasgow University attacking the “zealots” of the European Research Group of Tory Brexiter MPS, the former Tory PM said: “I find it painful to come to terms with the possibility that, within my lifetime, I could – I repeat could – see the break up of the UK.”
Mr Mundell will also say SNP warnings of a Brexit-related “power grab”, with Westminster hoarding powers that ought to be returned from Brussels to Holyrood, have proven to be a “complete fantasy” and an “invented grievance”.
He will say: “We should remain deeply suspicious when opponents of devolution try to present themselves as its champions and protectors.”
SNP deputy leader Keith Brown said: “David Mundell is perfectly content with imposing a hard Brexit on Scotland against our will – while making a power grab on areas the Leave campaign pledged would come directly to Holyrood.”
In a separate speech today, UK communities Secretary James Brokenshire will say the Tories are offering “a new Unionism”.
Acknowledging the Yes campaign and Brexit posed questions for the union, he will say: “We must make the case for a new unionism, and explain more readily the value and meaning of being a citizen of our United Kingdom. The rights we have, the values we share, the benefits we enjoy and the duties we owe.”