FORMER Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg will be viewed by most people north of the Border as the “Minister for Removing Opportunities” in his new UK Government role, according to Scotland’s Constitution Secretary.
In a letter to the Tory MP, Angus Robertson said there is a “profound absence” of benefits from Brexit, whereas the “damage, delays and dislocation” are evident.
He called on Rees-Mogg, who has recently been appointed as UK Minister for Brexit Opportunities, to foster a close relationship with the European Union, rather than diverging further.
Robertson said the proposed Brexit Freedoms Bill, which will make it easier to amend existing EU laws on the UK statute book, would have “profound consequences” for devolved administrations.
READ MORE: SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop calls for more funding for Scotland to deal with Brexit checks
He also said the bill is being written without adequate consultation with the rest of the UK.
In his letter he wrote: “The UK Government seems ready to unveil these sweeping measures, which will have profound consequences for the devolved governments, with next to no engagement, despite commitments to reset relationships with the devolved governments in the conclusions of the intergovernmental relations review.
“Any proposals to change the law in devolved areas must not take place without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.
“In short, rather than seeking to diverge from the EU, the UK Government should be developing as close a relationship with it as possible.”
He added: “You will be aware, of course, that 62% of people in Scotland voted to remain in the EU, and there is widespread opposition not just to Brexit, but also the hard Brexit approach the UK Government has chosen to pursue and which is doing so much damage to Scotland.
“That approach means that, for most people in Scotland, you will, in fact, be seen therefore as the Minister for Removing Opportunities.”
READ MORE: Jacob Rees-Mogg claims Brexit has been 'extremely beneficial' as trade plummets
Meanwhile, the SNP have called for the Tories to follow the lead of EU countries in helping households cope with rising costs.
Examples include the introduction of a cap on gas prices in France until December and a targeted VAT cut being implemented in Spain.
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: “Our EU neighbours are using the powers available to them to support their citizens.
“It is vital that the UK Government gets a grip of the crisis and follows their lead.”
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