BREXIT BILL SAFEGUARDS BID
SCOTTISH legislation could be introduced next month to ensure post-Brexit continuity in the event that Holyrood refuses to grant consent for the EU Withdrawal Bill.
The Scottish Government say their proposed EU Continuity Bill could be introduced next month if necessary to ensure Scottish law is prepared for Brexit.
The announcement follows the revelation that the UK Government do not plan to amend their EU Withdrawal Bill to take account of the concerns of devolved administrations.
In a joint letter to Holyrood’s Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh, Brexit Minister Mike Russell and Parliamentary Business Minister Joe Fitzpatrick said they were seeking a speedy timetable.
They said they preferred to work collaboratively with the UK Government on the Withdrawal Bill.
But they added: “As things stand, we need to prepare responsibly for the possibility of consent being withheld. The purpose of the Bill is to ensure that Scotland’s laws can be prepared for the effects of EU withdrawal even if it does not prove possible to rely on the UK Bill.
“It does not mean that we have definitely resolved to reject the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.”
The Scottish and Welsh Governments have said they cannot recommend the legislation in its current form, which would see EU responsibilities in devolved areas initially transferred to Westminster.