SNP comment on Scotland Office resignation

Commenting on the news that Scotland Office Minister David Cairns MP has resigned, the SNP’s Westminster Leader Mr Angus Robertson MP said:

"On a personal note, I wish David Cairns well after what has clearly been a difficult decision for him.

"This is a hugely significant and damaging development for the Prime Minister. Not only has Gordon Brown lost control of Scotland, he has now even lost control of the Scotland Office.

"The significance of David Cairns’ resignation is that he was responsible for Labour’s Glasgow East by-election campaign, and clearly the by-election must have been his own personal tipping point. Hearing on the doorsteps just how out of touch the UK Government is in Scotland must have brought the shortcomings of the Prime Minister into sharp focus. And with another by-election approaching in Glenrothes, David Cairns was clearly unable to maintain Labour’s pretence any longer.

"The UK Government is falling apart. This is a body blow to Gordon Brown. David Cairns is not a minor whip but a Minister of State, just one level below Cabinet Minister.

"Now that one previously loyal Minister has resigned, others must surely be considering their positions."