FORMER UK Labour cabinet minister Andrew Adonis says that the Tory government’s Brexit bill is a “land grab of epic proportions” from Scotland.

Adonis, an influential Labour peer, said that “Britain is appallingly economically and politically imbalanced”.

After the transfer of powers from Brussels to Whitehall and Westminster, London will take charge of policy areas traditionally devolved to Holyrood.

The SNP has said that means demolishing the principle at the heart of the devolution settlement by giving Westminster the final say on many devolved policy areas, and Adonis warned that the UK Government's plans showed how "centralised" Britain would become after leaving the EU.

The former UK transport secretary said: “Powers that were devolved to Holyrood and Cardiff, via the EU, are being seized by central government.

"It is a land grab of epic proportions and demonstrates just how centralised this country will become after Brexit.”

Adonis added: "The truth is that Britain is appallingly economically and politically imbalanced.

"This was one of the causes of the Brexit vote and, ironically, it will get worse if Brexit happens."

The UK wants to retain control over 24 devolved areas, most related to agriculture, fisheries and the environment, for up to seven years.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford welcomed the intervention from Adonis.

Blackford said: ''There can be no business as usual whilst the power grab is in place, powers removed from the Scottish Parliament, undermining devolution.

"The UK Government must bring forward legislation that respects devolution, the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland.''

However, in response a UK Government spokeswoman said: “We are committed to securing a deal that works for the entire United Kingdom.

"The outcome of leaving the EU will be a significant increase in the decision making power of each devolved administration."