RELATIONS between the governments in London and Edinburgh are "under pressure like never before" because of Brexit, the SNP’s Pete Wishart has claimed.

The Perth MP, who chairs the Commons Scottish Affairs Committee argued that "things have to change dramatically" and urged "parity of esteem" between the governments of Scotland, Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive with Westminster.

Speaking during a Commons debate marking 20 years of devolution, the Nationalists’ Shadow Commons Leader declared: "What we have found is that inter-governmental relations are under pressure like never before. They have been challenged within an inch of their lives by Brexit."

He argued that the relationships between the UK’s governments had not kept pace with the developments of devolution, noting: "The machinery for dialogue and engagement has not kept up with the evolving dynamics of devolution.”

Mr Wishart also warned that any calls for a second Scottish independence referendum from the Scottish Parliament must be adhered to.

He insisted: "This is a matter for the Scottish people. The Scottish people should always get what the Scottish people want."

Conservative backbencher David Duguid spoke about how it was right the two governments were looking at ways to improve intergovernmental relations.

“Instead of plotting a rematch against the voters on independence or devising increasingly left-field proposals to overhaul the devolution settlement yet again, the focus of this review should be on ensuring that the devolution settlement we have got is implemented smoothly and effectively.”

The Banff and Buchan MP claimed the "spirit of devolution" in which decisions were taken closer to home had “not taken root entirely" within the Scottish Government.

"Successive Labour and SNP Scottish Governments have hoarded power in Holyrood and governed primarily, it's been suggested, for the central belt.

"While English city regions are getting more control over their own affairs to accompany growth deals, Nicola Sturgeon is ensuring Scotland remains rigidly centralised," he added.

Jamie Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross was heckled by SNP MPs when he said, referring to Holyrood: “The best years under governments of whatever colour were the first three terms. When in the fourth term one party had absolute power in Holyrood, that was when we got almost a dictatorship, which was very much to the detriment of the highlands and islands.”

SNP MP Ronnie Cowan recalled the quote from Labour peer Lord Robertson that devolution would “kill the SNP stone dead” but pointed out how during 20 years of devolution, 12 had been under a Nationalist-led government.

Devolution, argued the Inverclyde MP, was not just about a building or the government within it but it was about self-belief and power.

“What we are really asking is, who gets to decide what is best for Scotland and why should the people of Scotland settle for a supporting role in that when we are big enough, rich enough and smart enough to play the lead?

“The intention of devolution may have been to satisfy the hunger but instead it has fed the beast and, across Scotland, that glorious beast is roaring once again.”

Labour’s Ian Murray argued that where devolution went next was not really a problem for Scotland but a problem for England.

“We cannot look at this in the context of the United Kingdom without dealing with England. That is why we need a senate of the nations and regions and a proper constitutional convention. What we do not need is a citizens’ assembly that is just a talking shop for how to get to independence.”

He added: “We need a proper, sober assessment 20 years on. Let us celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament but let us look to the next 20 years.”