BORIS Johnson has refused to rule out forcing his government’s internal market rules on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland without their consent.
MPs have backed the legislation, which will see the UK Government gain control of devolved powers once they are returned from Brussels.
Holyrood ministers have already vowed to oppose the bill, with Parliament likely to back that stance when the issue comes before MSPs for a vote.
Michael Russell has said that “the UK Government has to decide if it’s going to act in a dictatorial fashion and simply ignore the Scottish Parliament”.
Johnson, pressed on the issue by Ian Blackford, declined the opportunity to state that he wouldn’t ride roughshod over the devolved administrations.
WATCH: Speaker tears into Tory ministers over 'contempt' for Parliament
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, the SNP Westminster leader said: “Last night Scotland's MPs voted overwhelmingly against the Tory power grab bill but the Prime Minister forced it through anyway, in the biggest attack on our Scottish Parliament in the history of devolution."
He also referenced a new social attitudes survey which revealed that just 15% of people trust the UK Government to work in Scotland's interests.
"Why does he think the people of Scotland have no trust in him or his Government?" Blackford asked.
Johnson insisted the SNP MP was “completely wrong” about the Internal Market Bill, claiming it hands power “back down” to Scotland.
He stated: "After all, this Bill devolves – which is I believe is supported by the leader of the Opposition – power back down to, back to, Scotland, gives power back to Scotland. Enables Scotland not just to take back control of Scotland's spectacular fisheries, but also opens markets for Scottish agriculture around the world.”
Blackford chastised the Prime Minister for failing to answer his question, and gave his own thoughts on why the Tory Government is so unpopular in Scotland.
“Here we go again – yapping, bumbling, mumbling – but no answer,” Blackford said. “Since he can’t answer a straight question, I will tell the Prime Minister.”
At this point the Speaker intervened to quieten down furious Tory MPs, insisting that the SNP Westminster leader be heard.
Blackford responded: “We’re very used to the Scottish voice being shouted down in this place.”
He continued: “A Tory Government that casually and arrogantly breaks international law, and breaks devolution, has shattered any remaining trust in this broken Westminster system.”
READ MORE: Brexit power grab bill could end up in court as Tories go ahead
He described the vote on the Internal Market Bill as a “defining moment” and asked if the Prime Minister will withdraw the legislation if it fails to get the consent of the devolved parliaments.
“Or will he force it through against our wishes?” Blackford asked, adding: “Isn’t the Prime Minister demonstrating yet again that the only way to defend our parliament and its powers is by Scotland becoming an independent country?”
Johnson rejected the assertion and dismissed the question about enforcing his government’s legislation on Holyrood.
He again insisted that the legislation in fact returns powers from Brussels to Edinburgh.
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