Prime Minister Boris Johnson has privately described devolution as a "disaster", according to reports, prompting a backlash from Scottish Conservatives and opposition parties. The remarks, made to MPs, come at a sensitive time ahead of the Holyrood election in six months, where the SNP is expected to secure a landslide and demand another independence referendum.
Downing Street insisted Mr Johnson remains a supporter of devolution, but not when it is "used by separatists and nationalists to break up the UK". Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross was forced to publicly clarify that the prime minister does not believe devolution is a problem, urging party members to avoid "distractions".
The timing of the row is particularly damaging for Scottish Tories, who have been trying to distance themselves from Mr Johnson. Mr Ross has previously accused London-based Tories of defeatism and disinterest in the union. The prime minister's comments risk undermining the UK government's strategy of arguing that Scotland is well served by having two governments.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats have condemned the remarks. Former Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael told the BBC that Mr Johnson is "probably the greatest threat to the continuation of the United Kingdom". He added that it would now be difficult for unionist parties to work together in any future independence referendum, as they did in 2014.
The controversy also highlights divisions within the Conservative Party over whether further devolution would help or hinder the union. Some Tories remain sceptical, believing devolution has given nationalism a platform, while others argue that more powers could stem rising support for independence.
