Sturgeon and Jones in threat to derail Bill
NICOLA Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones have stepped up their threat to derail key Brexit legislation after holding talks in Edinburgh.
The SNP leader and Mr Jones called the UK Government’s proposals an ‘unashamed move to centralise decision-making power in Westminster’ and a ‘rejection of the principle of devolution’.
They said that they cannot recommend that their parliaments approve the socalled Repeal Bill proposals when they are asked to vote on a ‘legislative consent motion’. They also said they would work together to propose a series of amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.
In a joint statement released after their meeting yesterday, they said: ‘The Scottish and Welsh Governments have already made clear that they cannot recommend that the Scottish parliament and National Assembly give their necessary legislative consent to the Bill. We believe that the Bill must not be allowed to progress in its current form. To provide a constructive way forward, the Scottish and Welsh Governments are now working to agree potential amendments to the Bill which would address our concerns.
‘We are also co-ordinating our advice to the parliament and assembly to ensure they fully understand our concerns and our alternative proposals.
‘It will now be for the UK Government to respond positively to our suggested amendments to move negotiations forward, and ensure there is a functioning legal system on withdrawal from the EU, and agreed UK structures – where these are required – that reflect the views and interests of all parts of the UK, and respect devolved powers and responsibilities.’
UK First Secretary of State Damian Green has warned that any move by the Scottish Government to block the legislation could create major gaps in Scots law.
He said: ‘We’re in new territory. It is clear it would be hugely undesirable for Scotland to have any gaps in Scots law. That is one of the reasons it is so important that we bring these discussions to a successful conclusion before we get to April 2019.’