Scottish Brexit laws under scrutiny

THE Scottish Government’s controversial alternative to crucial Brexit legislation will be properly scrutinised, the minister in charge has insisted.

Scottish Brexit Minister Mike Russell said while the procedures being put in place for the MSPs to examine the SNP administration’s emergency legislation were “unusual”, he stressed there was “enough time” for scrutiny.

Mr Russell spoke out ahead of a rare late night meeting of one of Holyrood’s committees, with MSPs sitting from 5.45pm yesterday to consider the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.

The Scottish Government has brought forward the legislation amid a stand-off over the return of devolved powers from Brussels following Britain’s departure from the EU.

But with more than 230 amendments to the Bill lodged, MSPs will have to sit late into the night - with the Parliament also having earmarked more time this morning for this if it is needed.

The Continuity Bill is being rushed through Holyrood on a shortened timetable as emergency legislation, with the Scottish Government stating it has to be passed before the UK Government’s EU Withdrawal Bill gets final approval.

Ministers in both Edinburgh and Cardiff have branded that legislation as being a Westminster “power grab”.

Agriculture, fisheries, food labelling and public procurement are among 24 devolved policy areas the Downing Street wants to temporarily retain power over following the UK’s exit from the EU, to put in place UK-wide frameworks.