SCOTTISH Secretary Alister Jack has lavished praise on his boss at Westminster, welcoming Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s move to suspend Parliament and bring forward a “new bold and ambitious” agenda.

Jack, who has been conspicuous by his low profile, said in a statement: “I very much welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that the UK Government is to bring forward a new bold and ambitious legislative agenda. We are determined to make real change right across the UK, invest in infrastructure and connectivity, and cut the cost of living. To do that we need a Queen’s Speech.

“The Prime Minister has been very clear he wants us to leave the EU on 31 October with a deal, and we want the legislation to ratify that deal to be at the heart of our programme.

He also suggested there would be “ample Parliamentary time for MPs to debate Brexit, both ahead of and following the forthcoming European Council meeting”.

He continued: “It is right that MPs have sufficient time to discuss these important issues, and I am sure that Scottish MPs from all parties will want to play a full part in those debates.

“MPs must remember that nearly three years ago the UK voted to leave the EU, and we must deliver the result of that referendum.”

Earlier, Jack finally faced reporters after being accused of hiding from the media following the Prime Minister's move to suspend Parliament ahead of Brexit.

The move will limit the time available for MPs to prevent a No-Deal Brexit from taking place or pass legislation ensuring a deal is in place when the UK leaves the EU on October 31.

The Tory MP has insisted Boris Johnson's decision was normal procedure and accused the SNP of being the real affront to democracy.

BBC journalist Andrew Kerr tweeted: "Alister Jack has now spoken on the steps of the Scotland Office - essentially saying this is a perfectly normal procedure. He says the affront to democracy is the SNP and other opposition parties trying to block Brexit."

The Scottish Secretary told reporters they "could only ask one question each" as he stood on the steps of the Scotland Office.

It was also announced that Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson would not speak publicly on Wednesday.