MPS to question Jack in investigation into Britain’s ‘increasing divergence’

The “increasing divergence” between the Scottish and UK governments in tackling coronavirus is to be investigated by a committee of MPS.

Members of Westminster’s Scottish affairs committee are to stage an inquiry looking at Covid-19 and the effectiveness of the so-called four nations approach.

There have been differences in recent days, with the UK government abandoning the key “stay at home” message for an alternate “stay alert” slogan. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have meanwhile retained the existing slogan, with a relaxing on rules surrounding outdoor exercise the only change in restrictions north of the Border.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been critical of the new slogan adopted by the UK government, calling it “vague” and “imprecise”.

The committee, which will hear from Scottish Secretary Alister Jack in its first session tomorrow, will also look at how effective UK government support schemes have been in helping businesses and individuals in Scotland.

Announcing the inquiry, committee chairman Pete Wishart said: “The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest public health issue that Scotland has ever confronted, taking its toll on individuals and businesses nationwide.

“The UK government and devolved administrations came together to confront this crisis and the four nations approach has been the foundation of how the pandemic has been tackled.

“Our inquiry will scrutinise how this four-nation approach has operated and examine its effect on operational issues in Scotland.”

He added: “As we consider leaving lockdown, we will examine the increasing divergence in policy and messaging and consider what impact this will have on the Scottish public.”