Holyrood needs to stick to the day job

SIr, – If, as most Scots expect, the administration in Holyrood had nurtured good relations with Westminster, yesterday’s announcement of a seven-year timescale for implementation of devolved EU powers would, and should, be seen as a master stroke of common sense and common purpose.

Delivery of new powers takes at least seven years from conception to “go live”. The “Vow” was offered in 2014, legislated in 2016 and welfare, tribunals and transport police have been delayed indefinitely or until 2021. EU farm payments are another example.

But it is also a political master stroke, isolating Nicola Sturgeon not only from her Welsh “partners”, but increasingly from wiser heads in her own party – and the voters. Mrs May has called Ms Sturgeon’s “material change in circumstances” bluff. They both read the polls. They both know the SNP would lose Indyref2.

Mrs May has also placed a big, winnable bet on there being a more co-operative and competent administration after 2021, and side-bet on the SNP not even being the official opposition.

Holyrood should now focus on the day job and hopefully the post-2021 parliament will take a pragmatic view of the cost, efficiency and impact of the powers on offer.

Allan Sutherland, Willow Row,

Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire