THE SNP has warned of an increased risk of a Tory Brexit power grab after the Commons blocked an attempt to stop Scotland's devolution settlement being changed.
MPs opposed a proposal that would have prevented new powers in the EU withdrawal bill being used to amend the Scotland Act 1998 that led to the creation of the Scottish Parliament.
SNP MP Kirsty Blackman said this made it more likely devolution would come under attack from the UK Government's Brexit plans to repatriate powers from Brussels to London.
Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly claimed that the EU withdrawal bill includes the "wholesale transfer of powers" from Brussels to Whitehall and Westminster.
She says the parliament in London will take charge of policy areas traditionally devolved to Holyrood such as farming and fishing.
Blackman, the SNP Aberdeen North MP, said devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was facing an unprecedented assault from a Tory Brexit "power grab".
Blackman also criticised Scottish Tory MPs for voting against the amendment that would have prevented the Scotland Act and the Government of Wales Act 2006. being changed.
She said: "The EU withdrawal bill hands Tory ministers unprecedented powers to act without proper parliamentary scrutiny or approval, and is a real step backwards for devolution and democracy.
“The Scottish Tories were elected on a promise to stand up for Scotland – this was their biggest opportunity yet to do so.
"Instead of fighting our corner they have become lobby fodder for the Hard Brexiteers.
"They’re backing a government that is refusing to give the Scottish parliament any real say, and they’re not willing to fight for Scotland’s right to devolved powers
“Scottish Tory MPs have put their party allegiances before the interests of their Scottish constituents – voting to give UK government ministers unfettered powers to amend or repeal devolution legislation, which could seriously threaten the devolution settlements across the UK.
“For the past eighteen months, the UK government has taken every opportunity to avoid scrutiny and due parliamentary process.
"The Tories simply cannot railroad ahead with their plans to leave the EU nor can they proceed to grab devolved powers.”
However, a spokeswoman from the UK Government's Brexit department said its ministers were seeking the cooperation of the devolved administrations.
The spokeswoman said: "We want all parts of the UK to come together in support of this legislation, which is crucial to delivering the outcome of the referendum.
"Every part of the United Kingdom needs a functioning statute book.
"That applies as much to Scotland as elsewhere."
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