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Friday, March 29, 2024

Tories Plough Ahead With Dismantling Devolution

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Scottish Tory MPs have further enabled the UK government’s plans to dismantle devolution after they backed proposals to allow the UK government to override decisions of the Scottish Parliament – despite an overwhelming majority of Scottish MPs voting against it.

A vote on Clause 46 of the Internal Market Bill this evening – which the SNP has warned will allow the UK government to bypass Scotland’s Parliament and allow Westminster to take control of devolved spending in key areas such as education, infrastructure, economic development and sport – passed by 340 votes in favour to 51 against.

Scottish Tory MPs rejected opposition amendments to exempt Scotland from provisions that infringe on the devolution settlement – despite Douglas Ross’ (pictured) pledge to stand up for Scotland and to stand up to the UK government.

Commenting, SNP Shadow Chancellor Alison Thewliss MP said:

“With the support of Scottish Tory MPs, the UK government has moved closer to its aim of dismantling devolution, stripping spending powers away from the Scottish Parliament, and centralising powers in Westminster.

“The SNP has repeatedly warned against the power grab bill which would ride roughshod over devolution and allow UK government ministers to take control of key devolved areas such as education, infrastructure, economic development, culture and sport.

“The Tories want to take control of devolved spending and replace the priorities of the democratically elected Scottish Parliament with their own.

“The Tories are attempting to orchestrate the biggest power grab in the history of devolution.

“Despite an overwhelming majority of Scottish MPs voting against the move, once again the Scottish Tory MPs obeyed their Westminster bosses, rejected amendments to exempt Scotland, and sold out Scotland’s interests.

“From running the line to running out of excuses – it’s obvious that rather than standing up to his Westminster bosses, Douglas Ross is proving to be nothing more than Boris Johnson’s man in Scotland.

“It’s clear beyond any doubt that the only way to protect the Scottish Parliament’s powers is through independence.”

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