A TORY MP has been pilloried after telling Scots to “get used to” the UK Government extending its influence north of the Border.
Andrew Bowie, in a column for a Sunday newspaper, claims the Internal Market Bill is “very, very good for Scotland”.
The legislation, which will give Westminster oversight on devolved powers, has been branded a power grab by the Scottish Government and was rejected by MSPs.
Bowie, however, says the legislation is just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to Boris Johnson’s plans for Scotland.
He wrote in the Scotland on Sunday: “This Bill is the most important piece of legislation since the Scotland Act 1999. And it is very, very good for Scotland.”
READ MORE: Holyrood rejection of Internal Market Bill puts Westminster relationship in ‘precarious position’
The West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine describes the legislation as “pro-business, pro-growth, pro-Scotland”.
He claims that the SNP object to the bill because “the UK Government giving a much-needed boost to our cash-strapped local authorities might shine a light on how poorly they’ve been treated under the centralising, separatist government in Edinburgh”.
He continues: “They object because it will demonstrate the relevance of the United Kingdom Government to the Scottish people. They object because, in short, this Bill strengthens the bonds of our one nation and binds us closer together.
“This Bill endangers their grand plan — the separation of our country. For that, really, is all the SNP care about — not people, not jobs, not the health service. Those are all a front, a distraction.”
He adds: "This Internal Market Bill, is just the start. The UK Government is back in Scotland. Get used to it."
READ MORE: Mhairi Black fires back at Andrew Bowie over Brexit power grab claim
Bowie has been accused of espousing a “menacing” and “threatening” message to Scots.
Constitution Secretary Michael Russell rejected the Tory MP’s claims and said he had ignored objections raised by teaching, engineering and food and drinks bodies to the UK Government’s internal market plans.
Totally false premis in this & a far (& arrogantly threatening) cry from the #2014 slogan “lead don’t leave” . However also a contemptuous dismissal of genuine concerns expressed about the bill from a wide range of responsible organisations like @gtcs , @SCDInews & @FSScot. https://t.co/QteTDo8XfB
— Michael Russell (@Feorlean) October 11, 2020
SNP MP Angus MacNeil also criticsed the tone of Bowie’s comments.
Menacing tones from the Tories to Scots with ....
— Angus B MacNeil MP (@AngusMacNeilSNP) October 11, 2020
'The UK Govt is back in Scotland. Get used to it.' 🤨 #GetUsedToIt !!! https://t.co/FkTTK2SPEZ
Kirsty Hughes, director of the Scottish Centre on European Relations, added: “Conservative 'strategy' for Scotland – demolish devolution plus a good helping of aggression … Suspect that's going to be a tad counterproductive but it really is UK Government approach.”
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