THE main focus for Members of Parliament at both Holyrood and the Commons continues to be tackling the coronavirus outbreak. We are seeing positive signs of progress, but the threat of Covid-19 remains which is why the First Minister rightly continues to take a cautious approach here in Scotland.

The FM’s strong and clear leadership throughout this crisis has been in stark contrast to the ineptitude and incoherence of bumbling Boris Johnson.

And it appears panic is now setting in at Westminster following six consecutive opinion polls showing a surge in support for independence as an increasing number of Scots see the benefits of making decisions for ourselves.

In a state of desperation, the Tories have sacked their leader at Holyrood and are pressing ahead with their plans to use Brexit to try and undermine devolution by limiting the influence of Scotland’s parliament.

The UK’s Internal Market proposals – which were debated in parliament this week – are a thinly veiled attack on devolution, seeking to take powers from Scotland and putting them into the hands of Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings.

These proposals would give Westminster a veto over laws passed at Holyrood, making a mockery of the claim that the UK is a partnership of equals.

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This outrageous power grab also threatens to lower standards on food, environment and animal welfare by making the devolved nations compelled to accept whatever trade deals the UK puts in place post-Brexit.

This could have serious consequences for Scotland’s economy, not least our world-class food and drinks industry which is crucial to the livelihoods of so many families here in West Dunbartonshire and across the country.

These damaging and ill-advised proposals were overwhelmingly rejected by MSPs at Holyrood in a clear vote of 92 to 31. But, as with Brexit and so much else, Scotland’s democratic choices mean little to a Westminster government that can barely hide its contempt for devolution.

With each passing day we see yet more examples of the callousness and incompetence of this Westminster government, whether that be through its mishandling of coronavirus, the ongoing threat of Brexit or their complete disregard for the democratic will of the people of Scotland.

It’s no surprise, then, that more Scots than ever are saying they’d rather see Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands than those of Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings.

Whilst we take nothing for granted, it’s clear that the Holyrood elections in less than nine months’ time will be crucial in making Scotland’s voice heard.

In the meantime we must continue working to keep the coronavirus under control and ensure Scotland’s parliament is not diminished in its efforts to protect our communities from the social and economic challenges ahead.