THE Scottish Secretary claimed in the Commons today a bill described by Nicola Sturgeon as a “full-frontal assault on devolution” will actually “strengthen” the Union.

SNP MP Tommy Sheppard was taken aback as Alister Jack made the claim this afternoon.

The Internal Market Bill – which the UK Government has admitted will break international law – is opposed by all Holyrood parties besides the Scottish Tories.

The Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly voted to reject the proposals by 92 votes to 31.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Independence is Scotland's only hope in face of power grab

There are fears that devolved areas could be under threat from the legislation, such as food safety, minimum pricing, environmental policy and animal health and welfare.

The First Minister commented today that the bill is a “naked power grab which would crippled devolution”.

Sturgeon said: “It would prevent the Scottish Parliament from effectively legislating in a whole range of areas, including laws covering the food people put on their tables, which is currently produced to high EU animal welfare and food safety standards.

“That could be undermined by Scotland having to accept lower standards set by a UK Government in pursuit of a US or other trade deals – and could see us forced to accept chlorinated chicken.

“And their plans to trample over devolved spending powers in Scotland and directly fund their own projects could see projects like Boris Johnson’s bridge to Northern Ireland being funded instead of schools and hospitals – no matter what people in Scotland choose.

“Under this Bill, the Scottish Parliament would not have been able to pass its world-leading legislation on Minimum Unit Pricing of alcohol – a fact which will deeply concern the broad coalition of Scottish civic society which backed this vital public health measure."

She added: “The Scottish Government – and the SNP at Westminster – will fiercely resist this attack on the powers of our national Parliament.”

Discussing the legislation in the Commons today, Sheppard asked Jack: “Historically the role of Secretary of State for Scotland has been to argue for more decisions to be made in Scotland. Can I ask the current secretary, does he not feel ashamed and embarrassed to be the first incumbent to this office to actually argue for things to happen the other way around?

“And does he not realise that by so doing, he will make the argument for political independence for Scotland far better than those of us on these benches can do?”

But Jack, echoing Tory claims that the bill would give new powers to Holyrood, rejected the MP’s suggestion.

“I utterly disagree with the honourable gentleman,” he told the Chamber. “This strengthens the United Kingdom, this legislation. Scotland does 60% of her trade with the rest of the UK, over £50bn, we want to protect that trade, we want to improve the Scottish economy and in no way is there a single power being removed from the Scottish Government – quite the contrary. Powers are being increased.”

Sheppard shared out the footage, adding: “Make no mistake, clause 46 of the UK government's internal market bill is a full frontal assault on devolution. The Secretary of State seems to be living in a parallel universe.”

The Labour government in Wales also vehemently opposes the Internal Market Bill, while a leading Tory stood down from the Welsh shadow cabinet today saying the legislation threatens devolution.

David Melding said: “I believe it is time to step down from all my shadow cabinet responsibilities as I will feel it necessary to speak out against what I consider to be a lack of statecraft at this crucial time for the UK's survival as a multi-national state."