SNP MPs will return to the Commons this week with a promise to “settle up, not settle down” at Westminster.

The UK Parliament resumes on Tuesday after summer recess, with the Covid pandemic and Brexit expected to continue to dominate the political agenda.

Speaking ahead of the return of MPs, SNP deputy Westminster leader Kirsten Oswald highlighted concerns over the “shambolic” treatment of asylum seekers and refugees by the Tories.

She also called for the UK Government to end its threat to weaken Holyrood with “reckless” UK internal market plans.

Oswald said: “As SNP MPs return to Parliament this week, we’ll keep our promise to the people of Scotland and settle up at Westminster, not settle down.

“The case for the Westminster control of Scotland is weaker than ever. Scotland didn’t vote for Boris Johnson, who wants to drag Scotland out of the EU against our will, stigmatises innocent human beings fleeing persecution and his plans for a so-called UK internal market threaten a power grab on the Scottish Parliament.

“The coronavirus crisis has pulled communities together through the toughest circumstances, yet many now face crushing poverty.

“SNP MPs will redouble our efforts to secure the extension of the furlough scheme to protect jobs and demand a vital package of funding to support the millions of forgotten freelancers across the UK.

“These gaps could be fixed if Scotland had the full powers to make its own decisions, but while our European neighbours have extended their support for workers into 2021, the UK Government is asleep at the wheel.”

Recent polls have shown rising support for independence, including one key poll which showed 55% back a Yes vote – a reversal of the 2014 referendum result.

Oswald added: “Our message as we return to Parliament is clear – Scotland’s days being governed by Westminster are numbered.”