SNP publishes dossier accusing Westminster of ‘systematic attack’ on devolution

AN SNP minister has accused Westminster of a “systematic attack” on Holyrood’s powers after publishing a dossier he says shows the erosion of devolved authority.

In a new report, Constitution Secretary Mike Russell claimed the UK Government and Parliament now regularly legislate in devolved areas and made accusations the powers of the Scottish Parliament had been adjusted without the consent of MSPS.

The document also highlights how UK Government ministers have taken powers to spend in devolved areas where responsibility should lie with Holyrood, and claims the Scottish Parliament’s views on Brexit have been ignored by Westminster.

The report has pointed to the UK Internal Market Act, which the Scottish Government says allows the UK Government to essentially impose standards in a host of areas that are devolved to Holyrood.

It says the act means devolved powers “will now be exercised in a system designed and controlled by UK ministers”, adding that they would be “imposed on the Scottish Parliament without its consent”.

The document also details how Scottish ministers claim the act is being used to divert former EU funding that would previously have gone to the Scottish Parliament to decide how it should be spent.

The Scottish Government has pointed to the UK Government’s levelling-up fund for infrastructure projects and has criticised the money bypassing Holyrood’s involvement for about £400 million of expected funding.

Mr Russell has claimed that, since the vote for the UK to leave the European Union in 2016, “there has been a systematic attack on the Scottish Parliament’s powers”, which he said was “fundamentally undermining devolution”.

He added: “Bit by bit, the settlement that secured 74 per cent support in the 1997 devolution referendum, is being unpicked under the cover of Brexit and without the consent of Scottish people.”

Mr Russell suggested the Internal Market Act had “substantially weakened the Scottish Parliament’s powers”.

A UK Government source said the SNP was bringing up “previous grievances”.

A spokesperson added: “Now more than ever, people in Scotland want to see the UK Government and devolved administration working together to protect lives and livelihoods.

“The United Kingdom is the most successful political and economic union the world has ever seen, and this pandemic and our collective response, from the furlough scheme to vaccine procurement and the backing of our military personnel, has shown we are at our strongest when we work together towards a common goal.

“The Prime Minister remains fully committed to strengthening and levelling up all parts of the country by empowering local communities across the UK.”