Ditch the power grab

NICOLA Sturgeon’s attempted Covid power grab is extraordinarily sinister and ill-judged – and now even her former law tutor has given his own damning judgment.

Alistair Bonnington said the move ‘displays a profound ignorance of democratic government’, and one of its key principles is that ministers ‘only have such executive powers as are necessary’.

That something so fundamental should have to be spelt out to the SNP Government is an illustration of its growing contempt for the electorate. Ministers plan to put sweeping lockdown powers which were supposed to be temporary on a permanent footing, so they could be imposed at the drop of a hat.

Not for the first time, ministers seem determined to plough ahead with the legislation despite a public consultation showing overwhelming opposition.

Miss Sturgeon should acknowledge that cherished personal liberties are at stake – and ditch these draconian proposals now.