David Davis: ‘I’m a devolution fifth columnist’

Brexit Minister David Davis told MPs he is “almost a fifth columnist” for devolution in his latest appearance before Westminster’s Brexit committee.

The phrase is usually used to describe someone who undermines a larger group from within – in this case, the Conservative party.

Under questioning from SNP MP Joanna Cherry, Mr Davis said discussions with the Scottish Government over clause 11 of the EU Withdrawal Bill would continue despite the lack of agreement.

Mr Davis said: “I’m almost a fifth columnist in this government in terms of promoting devolution, so I was slightly disappointed we didn’t get agreement with the Scottish Government.

“I thought we got quite close.

“The Welsh government has essentially agreed with the changes we have proposed and we are still talking to the Scottish government and we will be up until five o’clock this evening, when the last possible time for laying the amendment is.

“I hope we can find a mechanism for getting agreement between us still.”

Ms Cherry asked whether the UK Government was prepared to “ride roughshod over the wishes of the Scottish Parliament” in the event Holyrood refused to give

“Continue our discussions with the Scottish Government”

legislative consent to the EU Withdrawal Bill as a result of the disagreement over clause 11.

Mr Davis said he did not want to speculate and he would not use that particular phrase.

“What I would prefer is to continue our discussions with the Scottish Government today and if need be thereafter and try to get to a position where we have an adequate agreement,” he said.

“I’m certainly not going to colour that by offering up suggestions and ‘roughshod’ – that word is certainly not one I would use.”

PLEA: Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons

David Davis said he was disappointed with being unable