Prime Minister under fire over devolution comments

Boris Johnson was labelled the "single biggest threat'' to the UK and came under fire over Covid-19 contracts as he responded to Prime Minister's Questions from self-isolation.

The Prime Minister appeared on television screens in the House of Commons chamber after being confined to Downing Street following contact with Tory MP Lee Anderson, who tested positive for coronavirus.

Opening Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir described devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as "one of the proudest achievements of the last Labour government'' as he pressed Mr Johnson on his comments.

The Prime Minister replied: "I think what has unquestionably been a disaster is the way in which the Scottish National Party have taken and used devolution as means not to improve the lives of their constituents, not to address their health concerns, not to improve education in Scotland, but constantly - and I know this is actually a point of view that is shared by (Sir Keir) - but constantly to campaign for the break-up of our country.

"To turn devolution, otherwise a sound policy for which I myself personally benefited when I was running London, but turn devolution into a mission to break up the UK.

"That, in my view, would be a disaster.''

Sir Keir countered that "the single biggest threat to the future of the United Kingdom is the Prime Minister every time he opens his mouth''.

He continued: "When the Prime Minister said he wanted to take back control nobody thought he meant from the Scottish people. The Prime Minister's quote is very clear - he said devolution has been a disaster north of the border.''

Wednesday's session was the first time the Prime Minister has answered questions using video conferencing software Zoom. His virtual participation came despite a negative test for coronavirus.

Downing Street later said Mr Johnson communicated to the Commons from "a room off his office'' in No 10, but stressed he did not come into contact with any staff on his journey to it.

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