SNP Scottish Parliament Spokesperson on Europe and External Relations Mr Richard Lochhead MSP has claimed that Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie has ?let the cat out the bag? with his comments on how Scotland should be represented in Europe. Mr Lochhead said that the comments from the Tories were ?ridiculous? and showed their desire to be ruled from London. Mr Lochhead commented:

?David McLetchie is showing his true colours with these anti-Scottish comments. It?s ridiculous to suggest that the Scottish Parliament should be sidelined in Europe if it doesn?t have the same governing party as London does.

?He?s also shown a complete lack of understanding about the way things work at the moment. If David McLetchie thinks that Scottish Ministers are calling the shots on anything then he should think again, because the opposite is true.

?Scottish Ministers are already ignored by their so-called colleagues in Westminster. If a Scottish Secretary was given sole charge of European matters then it would be nothing short of a disaster for Scotland as it would render the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament impotent on a huge number of issues.

?In one speech the Tories have been able to alienate every fishing and farming vote in Scotland. They know how important it is to have strong representation of Scottish issues at a European level, but they?re certainly not going to get that by giving all the power back to Westminster.

?The Tories have let the cat out the bag with this one. They can?t wait to see power flowing back to Westminster at the expense of the Scottish Parliament. They want to see devolution in reverse.?