SNP looks to target Brexit anger on Trade Bill

The SNP signalled that it could disrupt the UK government’s Trade Bill as its Westminster leader vowed to consider “whatever action is necessary” to protect Scotland’s interests.

Ian Blackford said “a line had been crossed” when it came to the UK government’s treatment of devolution.

He added he had “real concerns” over the Trade Bill, which aims to ensure the UK can continue its existing trade policy as far as possible immediately after Brexit.

Brexit minister Michael Russell also called for devolved nations to have a stronger role in the legislation during a speech in Dublin.

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon said SNP membership had risen by 5,085 since her Westminster colleagues stormed out of the House of Commons.

At First Minister’s Questions, Ms Sturgeon said: “What we saw this week was the most clear and powerful evidence so far that Westminster system simply does not work for Scotland.”

She said the Tories had “ripped up” the convention that had underpinned devolution for two decades in the “most contemptuous way possible”. She added: “People are angry. People are talking about it.”