THE SNP is set to "play power games at Westminster" rather than focusing on improving public services north of the border, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has said.

 

Willie Rennie accused the nationalists of taking their eye of the ball during the independence referendum and Westminster campaigns, and said he fears a repeat following their recent success.

The work of Holyrood came under scrutiny this week when one of the first items of business following the UK general election was an examination of a call to offer more rights to rabbits.

However, Scottish Government sources insisted that Nicola Sturgeon had ordered departments to spring back into action immediately following the election period, when civil servants face restrictions in what they can announce publicly. A series of new laws are set to be considered at Holyrood before the end of the year.

Mr Rennie said: "The SNP in the Scottish Government took their eye off the ball during their referendum campaign and during their Westminster campaign so people will want see them focus on improving services in Scotland. My fear is that Scottish ministers will now spend all of their time playing power games at Westminster.

"As a result, the business of government in Scotland will continue to be neglected when there are big problems to tackle. Unemployment is going up, primary school class sizes are increasing and people are facing longer waits for mental health treatment. Those are only a few of many problems needing tackled if we are to offer opportunity for all."

Among the legislation to be introduced at Holyrood in the coming months are bills on community justice, public health, higher education governance and land reform.

Already making their way through the Scottish Parliament include bills to restrict the automatic release of prisoners, lower the voting age in Scottish elections and reform fatal accident inquiries.