DUMBARTON’S MP said the leadership shown by Scotland’s First Minister during the Covid-19 pandemic has been impressive in comparison to the UK Government’s “ambiguous” messages.

Martin Docherty-Hughes’ comment comes after MP Kenny MacAskill claimed that the road to Scottish independence will be left open due to the “incompetence” of the UK Government.

The former Holyrood justice secretary claimed Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been shown to be “utterly hapless”.

He contrasted this with what he said was a “virtually flawless” performance of Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The town’s MP, Mr Docherty-Hughes, told the Reporter: “During the period of this pandemic, my focus as the MP for West Dunbartonshire has been on ensuring that we can support the Scottish Government with their response and ensure that help finds its way into every part of our community.

“I’ve personally been impressed by the leadership shown by our First Minister – clear, reasoned instructions for people in Scotland, and a willingness to listen and adapt to criticism in a way which improves our government response.

“The contrast with a UK Government who’s messaging has been deliberately ambiguous, and where decisions have been made without the knowledge of most of the cabinet, could not be more stark.

“As we make our way out of lockdown, politicians of all parties need to take the lead and demonstrate why the public must continue to abide by regulations that will have long term consequences for all of our futures – I think we can do that best when we have their trust.”

Restrictions in England have been eased, ditching the core “stay at home” message – which has remained in place in Scotland.

And Mr MacAskill claimed as Scots emerge from the epidemic, they will be looking for a “better way” forward than as part of the UK.

Criticising the Prime Minister, he said: “A man who cannot even safely look after his own country can’t restrict the forward march