The UK Government has been accused of acting like “Big Brother” in its approach to Brexit devolution powers, with SNP MP Ian Blackford warning that failure to address the issue could lead to a constitutional crisis. Speaking in a recent debate, Blackford emphasised the need for Westminster to reconsider its stance, arguing that the current approach undermines the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Blackford’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between the UK Government and devolved nations over the post-Brexit power distribution. The SNP has consistently argued that Westminster is centralising control, particularly in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, and environmental policy, which were previously managed by the devolved governments. This has sparked concerns about the erosion of devolution settlements established in the late 1990s.
“The UK Government is behaving like ‘Big Brother’,” Blackford said, referencing George Orwell’s dystopian novel to highlight his concerns about overreach. He added, “If they continue down this path, they risk creating a constitutional crisis of their own making.”
Legal experts have also weighed in on the debate, noting that the UK Internal Market Act 2020 has been a particular point of contention. The legislation allows Westminster to override devolved decisions in certain areas, which critics argue undermines the principles of devolution. Professor Aileen McHarg, an expert in constitutional law, has described the Act as “a significant shift in the balance of power” between Westminster and the devolved administrations.
Historically, devolution has been a cornerstone of the UK’s constitutional framework, designed to give Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland greater autonomy over local matters. However, Brexit has introduced new complexities, with the UK Government asserting control over areas previously governed by EU law. This has reignited long-standing debates about sovereignty and the relationship between the UK’s constituent nations.
Blackford’s intervention highlights the growing frustration among devolved governments, with the SNP calling for a more collaborative approach. He urged Westminster to engage in meaningful dialogue with the devolved administrations to ensure that Brexit does not weaken the devolution settlements. “This is not just about Scotland,” he said. “It’s about respecting the democratic rights of all the UK’s nations.”
As the debate continues, the UK Government faces mounting pressure to address these concerns. Without a shift in approach, the risk of a constitutional standoff looms larger, potentially destabilising the delicate balance of power within the UK. For now, the SNP and other devolved governments remain steadfast in their calls for greater respect for devolution and a more equitable distribution of post-Brexit powers.
