THE SNP’S deputy Westminster leader has reacted with astonishment after a Tory minister accused her party of misleading church leaders about Brexit.
Kirsten Oswald urged the UK Government to provide reassurance after Scottish religious figures united to condemn Downing Street plans to break international law.
The Church of Scotland, Roman Catholic Church and Scottish Episcopal Church have come together in a joint plea over the controversial Brexit legislation. They're joined by the United Reform Church, the Methodist Church and the Quakers.
In a joint letter sent to UK lawmakers, they say proceeding with the bill would set a "disastrous precedent" and risks the devolution settlement.
READ MORE: 'Deeply disturbed' Scottish church leaders petition MPs and Lords over Internal Market Bill
The issue was raised in the Commons as MPs questioned Northern Ireland Office minister Robin Walker.
Oswald noted that the churches were “united in their concern at the UK Government’s actions on Brexit, with its plan to break international law, acting on devolved matters against the wishes of devolved administrations and placing the peace process in Northern Ireland in peril – a concern they say is shared by church leaders across the Irish Sea”.
The SNP MP asked: “What can the minister say to reassure these representatives of Scotland’s faith communities that his government is listening to anyone as it careers forward on its misguided path?”
Walker insisted that his government was committed to upholding the Good Friday Agreement.
Addressing the concerns of church leaders, he said: “I’m afraid some of the people may have been misled by some of the statements by the SNP rather than raising concerns about what is the reality of the government’s intention.”
WATCH: Boris Johnson won't condemn Donald Trump over election fraud claim
Oswald later rubbished the Northern Ireland Office minister’s assertion on social media.
She tweeted: “My face says it all. This was an utterly outrageous response from the Minister to the legitimate concerns raised by Church leaders.”
My face says it all. This was an utterly outrageous response from the Minister to the legitimate concerns raised by Church leaders. https://t.co/eNDMKp4Yfn
— Kirsten Oswald MP (@kirstenoswald) November 4, 2020
The letter from the church leaders calls on MPs and peers to debate concerns about the Internal Market Bill – which has been condemned as a power grab by the Scottish Government and rejected by MSPs – and make representations to Downing Street.
It states: "The passing of this legislation by the United Kingdom parliament without the consent of the Scottish Parliament clearly strains the devolution settlement.
"The fracturing of an established relationship is in itself something to be regretted because it is vital that all levels of government work together in the interests of the communities we serve."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel