David Mundell accused of '˜flip-flopping over his threat to resign'

Britain's Scotland Secretary David Mundell. Picture; Getty

SNP MP Patrick Grady had accused Mr Mundell of “presiding over a power grab” during Scottish Questions in the Commons, adding: “Scottish Tories... have never wanted the Scottish Parliament to succeed and are using Brexit to undermine it.”

Mr Mundell responded: “He and his colleagues want to break up the United Kingdom.”

Mr Mundell was unapologetic about his ultimatum over a Brexit which in any way separates the UK.

“I make no apology for making absolutely clear that the integrity of the UK is a red line for me and my Scottish Conservative colleagues in any deal on leaving the EU,” he told the Commons during Scottish Questions.

“The position is exactly the same for our Prime Minister.

“I know those on the SNP benches’ preference would be a Brexit of the most disruptive kind, which they say is best able to take forward their cause.”

Shadow secretary of state for Scotland Lesley Laird accused Mr Mundell of “flip-flopping over his threat to resign” as she asked if he would be prepared to step down over the issue of creating a border in the Irish Sea.

She said: “The Secretary of State claims that protecting the integrity of the UK is the most important thing to him. The invisible man in the Cabinet even got a few headlines for himself this week by flip-flopping over his threat to resign.

“Sources close to him claimed he would resign but he denied it himself yesterday, so let’s be clear - yes or no? If there is a deal that creates a border in the Irish Sea and undermines the union, will the Secretary of State resign?”

Mr Mundell replied: “On the issue of a border down the Irish Sea it is not acceptable to me or my Scottish Conservative colleagues.”

Ms Laird claimed the Government had “just run out of ideas when it comes to Brexit” as she urged Mr Mundell to “support Labour’s suggestion for a customs union”.

She said: “If he really wants to protect Scotland’s place in the UK and stop a border in the Irish Sea he should back Labour’s plan for a customs union, so will he?”

Mr Mundell replied: “What I’m absolutely clear on is whatever kind of Brexit might be achieved the worst possible alternative would be a Labour government for this country.”