ONE of the SNP’s rising stars has said she fears Westminster could “potentially” close the Scottish Parliament.
MP Mhairi Black made the comment after being asked about what the UK Government would do in the event of a national emergency.
In a wide-ranging interview at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, she also spoke about Catholic schools and her scepticism about holding another referendum on the European Union.
Black, who represents Paisley and Renfrewshire South for the Nationalists, was elected at the age of 20 and is widely seen as a future leader of the party.
During an “in conversation” event yesterday chaired by journalist Graham Speirs, she told the audience that Westminster could ultimately legislate on any matter in Scotland, despite devolution: “The UK Parliament can do what they like with us, legally, can do what they like. The only thing that is left stopping them is the political will.”
Asked if the Government would shut down the devolved parliaments if they called a state of national emergency, she replied: “Potentially.”
On the prospect of a second Brexit vote, she said: “My genuine answer is ‘what’s the point?’” She argued that Scotland had already voted to remain and had been “ignored”, which is why she wanted to talk about independence.
Black also said that none of the political parties, including the SNP, had a good campaign during the Brexit referendum because there was “no natural desire” for the referendum and the debate was fought on the “turf” of the political Right.
The MP also said a “lot" of people, even in the SNP, have concerns about the European Union and its institutions, but claimed there was “no room” to have a “mature debate” on the subject.
Asked whether she, and the SNP, believed it was good for the future of Scotland to have children educated along religious lines, Black, who attended a Catholic school, offered a “personal” view.
She said: “Just when I am thinking of some of the damage that was done to me, in an LGBT sense, growing up, is something that I wouldn’t want any other child to ever have to suffer ever again.”
Black said a debate “has to happen” but added she did not know what the answer would be.
Meanwhile, the Glasgow University graduate also addressed questions on her unlikely rapport with Tory MP and Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg.
"In a colleague sense, I get on fine with the guy, but his views are vile," Black said.
"People need to acknowledge this guy is dangerous, because for all the manners and all the niceness, he doesn't think women should have the right to their body, he doesn't think I should be allowed to get married because I'm gay.
"That's terrifying."
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