MICHAEL Russell has accused Michael Gove of spouting “nonsense” after the Tory minister made a series of allegations against the Scottish Government.
Holyrood ministers have not given the UK Government access to "crucial data" on Brexit preparedness, according to Gove, who suggested Nicola Sturgeon has skipped key meetings.
The Cabinet Office minister made the claims in a letter to Russell. The Scottish Constitution Secretary said last month that there was no trust between the Scottish Government and Westminster, complaining that dialogue between the two administrations had become "significantly worse since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister".
READ MORE: Scottish independence: Michael Gove plans anti-SNP team to stop Yes movement
Yet in his written response, Gove claims there is now "intensified engagement" taking place as the UK prepares for the Brexit transition period ending in December.
He insisted Sturgeon has been invited to "regular meetings" of the cabinet committee dealing with preparations and operational readiness for the end of the transition period.
"I note that despite this intensified engagement, UK Government ministers and officials have not been invited to any operational readiness meetings of the Scottish Government,” the letter reads.
Lots of nonsense in it too. I shall be replying.... https://t.co/sZVoPYHCe1
— Michael Russell (@Feorlean) October 28, 2020
"I appreciate that is your decision but we still lack access to crucial data and have not had papers or other important planning materials shared with us."
READ MORE: Michael Gove breaks his Brexit vow to Scotland
Gove said this included information on how cash from the UK Government to support Brexit readiness had been spent, and how ministers at Holyrood were ensuring the businesses are ready for the change.
Russell’s initial reply, posted on social media, said the letter was filled with “nonsense”.
Responding to a post about Gove’s document, the Scottish minister tweeted: “Lots of nonsense in it too. I shall be replying...”
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