Cabinet minister Michael Gove, the minister responsible for preparing the UK for leaving the EU’s economic structures, issued his warning to Nicola Sturgeon’s party as he outlined “reasonable worst-case scenarios” that could emerge from January 1. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said an independent Scotland would face greater hardships – branding it the “the worst case of all” – as he defending the reasonable worst-case scenarios from Brexit.
His remarks came after SNP Cabinet Office spokesman Pete Wishart warned Scotland was planning the “best case scenario” to get out of the “rogue state UK”.
He said: ”They’re having to deal with a UK that’s prepared to tear up the withdrawal agreement that was oven-ready and the greatest deal ever just a few months ago, and in the process break international law.
“But there’s one good thing that’s come out of all of this: it’s focused Scottish minds on the type of future we want as a normal European nation.
“What I don’t understand is why does he continue with this charade of seeking a deal when we know it’s the no deal that they all want?
“The Scottish people are also scenario-planning. We are planning a best case scenario when we get out of the rogue state UK before the worst of this Brexit madness consumes our beautiful nation.
“His European counterparts must be looking forward to the next round of talks with all the relish of a vegan being served a platter of chlorinated chicken.
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“We’re told that the talks are at a delicate stage. They’re so delicate that the EU are close to telling the UK to get stuffed, and you have to say you can see their point.”
But, Mr Gove, who grew up in Aberdeen, fired back: “Those questions were a mixed amount of metaphors the like of which hasn’t been seen before.
“One of the things we’ll be doing is making sure we prioritise day-old chicks and fish and shellfish from Scottish harbours in order to make sure that they reach the fish markets without impediments.
“As we take back control of our waters and access to our marine resources, it enables Scotland to get thousands of new jobs and millions in new investment.
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“It is sadly one of the decisions that the Scottish Government have taken that they wish to re-enter the EU, give up access to that bounty and to sell the coastal communities of Scotland short.”
Mr Gove continued his attack on the SNP’s bid for Scotland to cut ties with Brexit Britain and rejoin the EU – as he detailed fatal flaws in their plan – before branding it the “worst case of all”.
He said: “There are many questions about an independent Scotland that have not been answered.
“What will be the currency that an independent Scotland would use? How would UK pensions be guaranteed in an independent Scotland?
“An independent Scotland would have to pay a premium on borrowing on international markets.
“No pound, no pension and poorer, an independent Scotland – unless he can come up with better answers – is the worst case of all.”
During the exchange, Mr Wishart also mocked Mr Gove and said the UK has been left holding a “joker” card with his Spitting Image portrayal on it.
He told the Commons: “Today’s the day where all the Brexit chickens come home to roost, only, of course, they won’t because they’ll be sitting in a 7,000-strong lorry queue in a Kent motorway for two days waiting to be dispatched.
“I remember the days of the ‘easiest deal in history’, ‘having our cake and eating it’ while observing the sunny uplands. But even the Duchy himself told us that we hold all the cards.
“Well, it seems the only card we hold at the moment is the joker with his Spitting Image mush all over the front of it.”
To which Mr Gove replied: “Can I say thank you to Mr Wishart for referring to the fact that Spitting Image have fashioned a rubber puppet in my likeness?
“It’s one of the greatest honours that has ever been paid to me and I hope that other members of the House will enjoy that recognition in due course.”
