Mundell calls on SNP to '˜reset relations with Westminster'

The Scottish and UK Governments should put political disagreements aside and work in the national interest, Scottish Secretary David Mundell has said.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell. Picture: John Devlin

The public is “sick and tired” of arguments between London and Edinburgh, he added, and now is time to “reset the relationship” following the Holyrood election, he added.

The Tory minister said new powers over tax, welfare and equal opportunities that will be devolved later this year will make Holyrood “one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world”.

The recent election saw the Conservatives become the official opposition 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 which 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 – but the fact is the UK Tory government views Scotland as an afterthought.”