The Scottish and Westminster Governments should put political disagreements aside and work in the national interest, a leading politician has said.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell claimed that the public is “sick and tired” of arguments between London and Edinburgh and that “now is the time to re-set the relationship”, following the elections earlier this month.
He said that “new powers over tax, welfare and equal opportunities”, which will be devolved later this year, will make Holyrood “one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world”. The elections saw the Conservatives become the official opposition in Scotland, with 31 MSPs.
Mr Mundell said: “People in Scotland have a right to expect — and Scotland’s two Governments a duty to deliver — a relationship between Holyrood and Westminster that puts the national interest first and political considerations last. Frankly, people are sick and tired of the bickering-and-blame games.”
A spokesman for the SNP said: “We will always work together with other parties when it is in the interests of the people of Scotland.”