MIKE Russell has indicated the SNP could “revisit” putting plans for a second independence referendum on hold after the UK Government refused to compromise on extending the Brexit transition period.
The Scottish Government’s Constitution Secretary has criticised Boris Johnson’s Government for what he claimed was a lack of engagement with the devolved UK nations over the Brexit deadline.
The transition period will expire at the end of 2020. Last week, Michael Gove confirmed the UK Government will not ask for an extension, hours before a scheduled meeting with Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh counterparts.
The Scottish Government announced in March it would postpone planning for another independence referendum in 2020, an issue that was key to the SNP election campaign in 2019.
Following the 2019 general election, the Scottish Government requested the powers to hold a second independence referendum, which was unsurprisingly rejected by the Prime Minister.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon formally drops plan for Indyref2 this year
Mr Russell told MSPs that the UK Government has refused to compromise on seeking an extension to the December 31 date for the end of the transition period with the EU, in contrast to the way the Scottish Government has on Scottish independence.
He added: "The fact that they've refused to do so shows me that the compromise that we have taken in order to ensure that all our resources are focused on Covid-19 is something we will need to revisit."
The Cabinet minister said this is "one of the bigger impacts you can have on the economy" without the risk of the increased spread of coronavirus.
READ MORE: Post-Brexit trade talks will not be extended after 2020 despite Nicola Sturgeon's warning
He questioned the timing of the Brexit process, which is expected coincide with a recovery from one of the worst recessions in recorded history due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Russell said: "If you accept that is the case, what type of insanity would then lead you to suppose you could pile on an additional hit to GDP?
"The only reason for doing it would be because ideologically you're fixated by this or because you think you can hide the damage from Brexit under worse damage being done by something else."
Mr Russell also criticised the Joint Ministerial Committee, which brings together officials from the devolved administrations and UK Government to discuss common issues.
READ MORE: Blackford: Best Brexit deal for Scotland is independence
A separate sub-committee has been set up specifically for the EU negotiations.
He said a number of ideas were put forward by the devolved countries but "zilch" was offered by the UK Government.
Mr Russell said: "We've brought ideas to the table, we've talked about them, we've published them.
"You have zilch from the UK Government. There is no commitment to change, no matter what is said.
"I believe there is a deep-rooted hostility to devolution and a view of the supremacy of Westminster that I believe can't be changed."
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