Official papers appear to show that SNP MSPs, including Shona Robison the former Minister in charge, failed to formally communicate with the UK Government prior to their veto, citing its adverse impact on the rights of women and girls. The SNP said: “No evidence was, or has since been, produced by the secretary of state [for Scotland] to support the concerns now raised,” the petition states. One legal expert said the public purse could expect a legal bill of £500,000 if the case drags on all the way from the Court of Session to the Supreme Court. A Scottish Government spokesman said: “As ministers have said previously, Scottish Government and UK Government officials met regularly to discuss the bill and its passage through the Scottish parliament. Scottish ministers also wrote directly to UK government ministers on the subject several months before a response was received.

Source: Express June 01, 2023 23:07 UTC