Government will 'look to devolve more powers' as a result of Brexit

There will be no reduction in the devolved administrations' powers and the Government will look to devolve more powers'' as a result of the Brexit process, the First Secretary of State has said.

Damian Green mocked the SNP's pro-European stance and loss of seats in the General Election as he stood in for Prime Minister Theresa May during PMQs, claiming the party want the powers taken from London to Edinburgh so they can give them back to Brussels''.

His comments came as SNP Westminster group leader Ian Blackford called on the Government to confirm that the devolved administrations will not face a diminution of powers as a result of the Repeal Bill''.

Mr Green replied: I'm happy to reconfirm what the Prime Minister and others have said that yes, under the terms of the Brexit deal that we will negotiate, that there will be no diminution of the devolved administrations' powers and indeed that we look to devolve more powers as a result of this process.''

Mr Blackford, the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber called for a cast iron guarantee'' that all powers that come back into the UK on devolved matters will be returned.

He also asked if the UK Government intended to mend schedule five of the Scotland Act to change any aspect of the devolved competencies that were approved at the Scottish referendum in 1997.

Mr Green replied: As I've said, I can only keep repeating the assurances we've already given.

I'm slightly surprised at the Scottish Nationalists' approach in that my understanding of their position is that they want the powers taken from London to Edinburgh so they can give them back to Brussels.

As I understand it, that's their position, but perhaps their inability to explain the logic of that position might explain the recent General Election result they had.'