THE relationship between the governments in London and Edinburgh is "under pressure like never before" over Brexit, a senior SNP MP has claimed.
Chair of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee Pete Wishart told MPs "things have to change dramatically" and urged "parity of esteem" between the governments of Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive with Westminster.
During a Commons debate marking 20 years since devolution, Wishart said: "What we have found is that inter-governmental relations are under pressure like never before."
He added: "They have been challenged within an inch of their lives by Brexit."
The relationships between the governments have not kept pace with the developments of devolution, he claimed, adding: "The machinery for dialogue and engagement has not kept up with the evolving dynamics of devolution.
"On a sub-political level, the work between civil servants, for example, continues unabated."
READ MORE: Mundell put under pressure by SNP to release secret independence poll
In a recent report, the Scottish Affairs Select Committee recommended increasing the powers of the Joint Ministerial Council where the leaders of the devolved governments can engage with Westminster.
Wishart also warned any calls for a second Scottish independence referendum from the Scottish Parliament must be adhered to.
He said: "This is a matter for the Scottish people. The Scottish people should always get what the Scottish people want."
Tory MP David TC Davies, who opposed the creation of a Welsh Assembly before the referendum in 1997, said he would not go back on the referendum result.
He added: "As a result of losing, I felt as a democrat it was very important that we respected the will of the people of Wales.
"So there was no suggestion afterwards that we should try to challenge the decision in the courts or say that people had been tricked by Labour."
He continued: "We simply respected the fact that the people of Wales had spoken.
"I want to put on record right now as a Conservative and someone who opposed the Welsh Assembly 20 years ago, that in my view it would be absolutely wrong to try and undermine the Welsh Assembly, take away its power, or get rid of it in any way at all."
Conservative David Duguid said the "spirit of devolution" of decisions being taken closer to home "has not taken root entirely" within the Scottish government.
The Banff and Buchan MP said: "Successive Labour and SNP Scottish governments have hoarded power in Holyrood and governed primarily, it's been suggested, for the central belt.
"While English city regions are getting more control over their own affairs to accompany growth deals, Nicola Sturgeon is ensuring Scotland remains rigidly centralised."
WATCH: Plaid Cymru MP condemns Spanish spying at Westminster
LibDem MP Jamie Stone was heckled by SNP MPs after he suggested an SNP government were overseeing “almost a dictatorship".
SNP MP David Linden responded by calling for a second independence referendum.
The Glasgow East MP said: "If they are still confident that people in Scotland wish to be a part of the United Kingdom, ask them.
"If you are confident that they will do it, then put the question to the people and we will have a vote."
Labour's shadow Scotland minister Paul Sweeney said some of the powers the Scottish Parliament has to change income tax or welfare policy are not being used.
He added: "The existing powers of the Scottish Parliament must be used effectively – that being said, new powers may well be needed to make a real difference in tackling the problems (Scotland faces)."
Cabinet Office minister Kevin Foster, asked about a survey of Conservative Party members which suggested 63% believed leaving the EU was more important than keeping the Union together, said: "I'm clear that I'm a unionist and I want to see this Union remain together.
"That poll is absolute rubbish."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel