RUTH Davidson has been accused of “remarkable hypocrisy” after she told Scottish farmers she recognises their distinctive needs – despite supporting a UK Government power grab that will undermine Holyrood’s ability to tailor agricultural policy to the sector’s needs after Brexit.

The Scottish Conservative leader made the comments during an address at the Royal Highland Show yesterday, weeks after her MSPs became the only political group to support Westminster holding on to 24 devolved policy areas including over farm payments for up to seven years.

Last week, the UK Government caused uproar when it forced through the EU Withdrawal Bill’s contentious Clause 15 allowing only 15 minutes of discussion and despite Holyrood withholding its consent.

But Davidson told farmers that she and UK Environment Secret-ary Michael Gove are “pressing the case” to UK ministers on the need to respect Scotland’s distinct agricultural needs.

Addressing the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), she said: “Along with Michael Gove, I have been pressing the case forcibly with UK Government ministers and officials in recent months on the need to respect Scotland’s distinct needs.

“The vast majority of land in Scotland has less favoured area status. In England it is only 15%.

“My case, therefore, has been that Scotland must retain our share of the funding pot, and that the unique circumstances of farming in Scotland must be recognised.

SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “This is remarkable hypocrisy from Ruth Davidson. For her to tell Scottish farmers she appreciates and supports their ‘distinct needs’, at the same time as supporting her Tory colleagues at Westminster in taking powers over agriculture away from our national Parliament, is absolutely staggering.

“If she had any interest in protecting Scotland’s farmers, she would stand up to the Westminster power grab – and stand against the hard Brexit her Westminster colleagues are intent on implementing, which will be a disaster for our rural economy.”

During her speech, Davidson also called for Scotland to retain its share of funding when the UK leaves the common agricultural policy, and for both the Scottish and UK governments to focus on policies that help farmers, including access to the EU labour market.

Her comments followed a pledge from Gove that Scotland will receive “special treatment” to ensure farmers get the support they need after Brexit, with funding guaranteed until 2022.

Meanwhile the Scottish Government has launched its own consultation on agricultural subsidies.

Its proposals include a five-year transition period with the first two years largely continuing with EU rules.

Davidson said a long-term funding system should be developed with the UK and Scottish governments focusing on policies that “just make it easier for agricultural businesses to get on”. She added that an immigration system which can deliver a seasonal workers scheme should be developed.