The Scottish Parliament erupted in the Holyrood chamber as SNP Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell clashed furiously with another member. Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser had hit out at the Scottish Government’s new Brexit bill during a debate. He accused the bill of creating a “Henry VIII power”, taking away powers from Scotland‘s Parliament and giving it to ministers.

The Tory MSP said: “It was stated in evidence to the Finance and Constitution Committee that this bill creates a substantial ‘Henry VIII power’.

“It’s taking power away from this Parliament and giving it to Scottish ministers.

“The Cabinet Secretary would be apoplectic if the UK Government were to do this.

“So why is it alright for him?”

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Mr Russell shot back: “I would be in a state of permanent apoplexy if I thought about the amount of that that is done.

“Well I am only in a state of permanent apoplexy because I am faced with people like Murdo Fraser too often, I have to say.

“I would be in a state of permanent apoplexy if I even thought about the powers the UK Government was taking to itself on a daily basis.

“In fact, we see an example just today with the House of Lords and Internal Market Bill.”

The SNP have accused the UK Government’s Internal Market proposals of being a “power grab” by Westminster.

Proposals by the UK Government will see powers in at least 70 policy areas previously controlled by the EU flow instead to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

But the plans will also mean that regulatory standards in one part of the UK must be automatically accepted in others.

The rules would be overseen by a newly created body.

The devolved governments in Scotland and Wales say this could leave them unable to veto UK Government decisions, such as on chlorinated chicken or genetically modified foods.