Devolution ‘is becoming unworkable’, warns Youssef in attack on Tory ‘interference’

Scotland First Minister warned that devolution was “becoming unworkable” as he criticized the actions of an “interventionist” Conservative government in Westminster.

Humza Yousaf said recent events highlighted the “grim reality” that “even the limited measure of self-governance provided by the delegation is no longer guaranteed.”

He hit Art Tori for what he called a series of “unprecedented attacks” on authority Scottish Parliament.

But Mr Yussoff also called on UK Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer to voice his support for devolution – although he claimed: “When it comes to standing up for our parliament, Keir Starmer has been missing.”

Mr Youssef was speaking after the latest row between the Scottish and UK governments saw Holyrood ministers delay plans for a deposit refund scheme for drinks cans and bottles from March next year to October 2025, so it comes alongside a scheme south of border.

Scotland’s first minister also vowed to launch a legal challenge after Westminster used its powers to block reforms to the gender recognition process for trans people that were passed by Holyrood.

Minister of Foreign Affairs James Cleverley also came under fire after he urged UK officials to take a “hardened approach” to foreign visits by Scottish ministers, ensuring Westminster representatives are always in the room for any meetings with foreign governments.

Attacking the Conservative administration at Westminster, Mr Yussoff insisted: “The last few weeks have highlighted the grim reality that under Westminster control, even the limited measure of self-government provided by devolution is no longer guaranteed.

“This is a case where this Tory government has ensured that devolution in Scotland becomes unworkable.”

Mr Yussoff said Holyrood politicians were “faced with a steady erosion of our parliament’s powers”, including a “routine undermining” of the Sewell Convention, which is designed to prevent Westminster from legislating in areas devolved to Holyrood without consent.

The SNP leader went on the attack UK Government ministers for “blocking legislation passed by a majority of MSPs in clearly devolved areas” as he also accused senior Tories of “interfering with the vital work of the Scottish Government abroad”.

Mr Yussoff concluded: “All this amounts to unprecedented attacks on the Scottish Parliament, putting the entire devolution settlement at risk.”

To tackle the problem, he said there must be “urgent and meaningful action” from the parties that supported the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

While Tony Blair’s Labor government set up devolved administrations in Edinburgh and Cardiff, Mr Joseph insisted the current British Labor leader and his party in Scotland had done “absolutely nothing” in response to the Tories in Westminster.

“When it comes to standing up for our parliament, Keir Starmer is missing,” the First Minister said.

“Labour in London and Scotland have done absolutely nothing to protect people here from the Tories and their attempts to stop the Scottish Government from legislating in fully devolved areas.”

He insisted there was now a “real opportunity for Keir Starmer to show that he supports the basic principles of democracy and devolution”, adding that the Labor leader must “recognise this urgently or his party risks being on the other side of history”. .

A UK government spokesman said it was “looking to work constructively with the Scottish Government to address our shared concerns”.

“This is what families and businesses in Scotland expect. This includes working together under our jointly agreed co-operation agreements, as well as on the many projects in Scotland that are being delivered jointly by the two Scottish Governments, including the City and Freeports Development Deal,” the spokesperson said.

“The UK Government is helping people in Scotland and across the UK by focusing on halving inflation and growing our economy.

“In Scotland, we are working directly with local communities to invest £2.3bn in a range of projects to improve communities and increase wellbeing.

“This is on top of a record £41 billion a year block grant for the Scottish Government.”