Holyrood ‘will get majority of powers coming from EU’
THE ‘majority’ of new powers coming back to the UK from Brussels will be handed to Holyrood, the Scottish Secretary has announced.
David Mundell yesterday said at least half of the 111 powers in devolved areas returning from the EU would be devolved to the Scottish parliament.
His comments came as ministers from the UK and Scottish Governments met for talks in Downing Street.
Theresa May’s deputy, Damian Green, said there had been agreement in principle on the policy areas where legislative frameworks will and will not be required.
But SNP Brexit Minister Michael Russell said all returning powers in devolved areas ‘must stay devolved’.
On BBC Radio Scotland earlier, Mr Mundell said: ‘I’m confident that a majority of the powers that were on that list of 111 powers will come to Holyrood. I hope that can be agreed today.’
He also appealed for the devolved administrations to work with the UK Government to get the best trade deal with the EU.
After the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations met, Mr Green, the First Secretary of State, said: ‘Today we have agreed in principle on the policy areas where legislative frameworks will and will not be required. This is a significant step forward and, while there are still areas we disagree on, we will continue to work through these and find solutions.
‘The powers and responsibilities of the devolved administrations will be enhanced as a result of EU exit and we will continue to work closely with them so that the new framework arrangements work effectively for all parts of the UK. The co-operation and hard work from all sides will stand us in good stead for resolving other outstanding issues in the weeks and months to come.
‘The devolved administrations have already signed up to principles
‘This is a significant step forward’
that recognise the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland.’
Mr Russell said the Scottish Government would draw up its own Brexit Continuity Bill instead of backing the existing Repeal Bill unless major changes are made. He admitted progress had been made on UK-wide frameworks in discussions on devolved powers returning from Brussels after Brexit, but stressed the need for a ‘cast-iron commitment’ that the EU Withdrawal Bill would be amended to protect the devolution settlement.
Mr Russell said: ‘I am clear that all returning powers that relate to devolved areas must stay devolved after Brexit. We have yet to receive a cast-iron guarantee that significant changes will be made to the EU Withdrawal Bill. The Bill at present means all devolved powers currently exercised at EU level will be transferred to the Westminster Parliament.
‘Unless significant changes are made, we will not be able to recommend giving consent to the EU Withdrawal Bill and therefore we have no choice but to pursue the option of our own legislation – a Continuity Bill for Scotland.
‘Progress has been made in discussions over UK-wide frameworks but we need some answers on how last week’s UK-EU agreement will affect their operation. Scotland also needs to have a meaningful role in the next phase of negotiations.’
He said Scotland’s preference is to remain in the single market and customs union and if Northern Ireland has a special arrangement with the EU there is ‘no logical reason’ why Scotland should not have the same rights.