SOME Scottish Tory MPs say they're standing up for Scotland, even when we all know the truth of the matter. Others don't even bother making that much of an effort.
One such example is Andrew Bowie, Tory MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine.
Bowie saw a report explaining that SNP ministers plan to block new Brexit legislation until the UK's broken devolution system is fixed.
It seems a reasonable position to take. Every party at Holyrood other than the Tories voted against the power grab, and Westminster is trampling all over the devolution settlement (even the BBC said it was being "ripped up").
The MP wasn't having any of it. How dare politicians elected to represent Scotland stand up for its wishes?!
So, he decided to tell Scots to get back in their box:
The UK Parliament can legislate for the whole UK. No ifs, no buts. https://t.co/mjAG9ywE2Y
— Andrew Bowie MP (@AndrewBowieMP) June 23, 2018
"The UK Parliament can legislate for the whole UK. No ifs, no buts."
Usually the Sewel Convention is presented as a fairly significant if and but – but Bowie helpfully reveals the true colours of the Tories.
Social media users including Deputy First Minister John Swinney took him to task over the outrageous statement.
1
Next time the Tories try to tell us they support devolution remember this. A blunt, hostile view from one of the Scots Tory MPs. https://t.co/g0c5kYhvsP
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) June 23, 2018
2
In which case, the Treaty of Union has been broken, and Scotland can dissolve it at will. #DissolveTheUnion https://t.co/WVrW91CJ4p
— Colin Dunn (@Zarkwan) June 23, 2018
3
In practice this means that if, for example, the price of a post #Brexit trade deal with the USA was greater private sector involvement in the #NHS across the UK; the UK Parliament could legislate to change the devolved Scottish NHS, justifying it as in the wider UK interest. https://t.co/3qL6YOPiXW
— Tom Arthur (@ThomasCArthur) June 23, 2018
4
Scottish MP declares with conviction that Scottish democracy can be over-ridden at will by Westminster...
— Fighting Fox (@SabaidSionnach) June 23, 2018
This is standing up for Scotland .....Tory style.
Didn't one of these Tories refer to Scotland as "they"? https://t.co/URya6iCz1I
5
Impressive , England can do whatever it wants to Scotland whenever it wants no matter how Scotland votes , including 60+ years ,every year of Rejecting Tories
— Traquir (@traquir) June 23, 2018
Your a Scottish Tory MP right ?
Scotland rejected you & your ilk#DisolveTheUnion pic.twitter.com/y7PIHNFqGe
6
You colonial supercilious Tories disgust me
— Lmr (@LassieLmr) June 23, 2018
7
So the Vow, Smith, the Devolution Settlement... they were all a con right?
— Dick Winchester (@DickWinchester) June 23, 2018
8
And the Scottish people are sovereign and can decide for themselves whether they're happy with that, or would prefer the normal, democratic governance of a normal small country. No ifs, no buts.
— Fergie (@cath426) June 23, 2018
9
English votes for English Laws.
— Woodside Wullie (@woodsidewullie) June 23, 2018
English votes for Scottish Laws.
English votes for English Laws.
English votes for Scottish Laws.
English votes for English Laws.
English votes for Scottish Laws.
English votes for English Laws.
English votes for Scottish Laws.
10
Cheers Andy
— BigChap (@keiruari) June 23, 2018
Just showed this to my mother in law who thought devolution was the fairest answer
Not now
11
Keep shouting it loud. Every time you do another 1000 devolution supporters moves to independence. Thanks very much. 126,000 snp members and still growing.
— Vambo Marble Eye🏴 (@UnitedArabist) June 23, 2018
12
You might be my MP but you are certainly no democrat. I will do all in my power to ensure you are not re-elected!
— Bill Cruickshank (@BjCruickshank) June 23, 2018
13
And the @ScotParl can legislate for the whole of #Scotland. We elected the #Scottish Parliament to protect our interests and that's what is being done. Shame you don't support that too.
— Deirdre McIntosh #FBPE #FBSI (@deewallace32) June 23, 2018
14
I'm sorry to inform Your Colonial Ignorance, even the UK Government acknowledges we are two nations. One of the places it registers that is with the United Nations. We have a Treaty. There is nothing in that Treaty to hold Scotland isolated from Europe by England's diktat.
— Grouse Beater (@Grouse_Beater) June 23, 2018
15
Clinging on by your fingernails, mate.
— Suzanne "Trumpian Cybernat" Bosworth🏴 (@MediaWeasel) June 23, 2018
So much for that "equal partnership", eh. Tories like nothing better than a dictatorship and throwing their weight around "Days of Empire! Crush the natives!"
The world is watching the UK Government's antics and bullying, Andrew.
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