MICHAEL Russell has accused Michael Gove of spouting “nonsense” after the Tory minister made a series of allegations against the Scottish Government.

Holyrood ministers have not given the UK Government access to "crucial data" on Brexit preparedness, according to Gove, who suggested Nicola Sturgeon has skipped key meetings.

The Cabinet Office minister made the claims in a letter to Russell. The Scottish Constitution Secretary said last month that there was no trust between the Scottish Government and Westminster, complaining that dialogue between the two administrations had become "significantly worse since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister".

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Yet in his written response, Gove claims there is now "intensified engagement" taking place as the UK prepares for the Brexit transition period ending in December.

He insisted Sturgeon has been invited to "regular meetings" of the cabinet committee dealing with preparations and operational readiness for the end of the transition period.

"I note that despite this intensified engagement, UK Government ministers and officials have not been invited to any operational readiness meetings of the Scottish Government,” the letter reads.

"I appreciate that is your decision but we still lack access to crucial data and have not had papers or other important planning materials shared with us."

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Gove said this included information on how cash from the UK Government to support Brexit readiness had been spent, and how ministers at Holyrood were ensuring the businesses are ready for the change.

Russell’s initial reply, posted on social media, said the letter was filled with “nonsense”.

Responding to a post about Gove’s document, the Scottish minister tweeted: “Lots of nonsense in it too. I shall be replying...”