Make SNP bigwigs pay for Supreme Court fail

Wednesday’s Supreme Court judgment will not have come as a surprise to many, even those with a very basic understanding of the constitutional mechanics of the creation of a devolved Scottish Executive (some say government).

When the application was made to the Supreme Court, therefore, there was disbelief among some that the application was even necessary. I believe that it was reported in the Press that the Lord Advocate herself was dubious but her Lord and mistress insisted that the application was made. Was this simply a “get out of jail” card played to appease the First Minister's followers?

Given Nicola Sturgeon’s perceived apparent penchant for acting outside her devolved powers (eg attendance at COP27), might the application be regarded as an abuse of process, making her Scottish Government office bearers vexatious litigants? Should they, therefore, be personally liable for the expenses of the case rather than the Scottish taxpayer?

FRASER MACGREGOR

Edinburgh