The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
‘Not a power grab ... a power bonanza’
Brexit will be a “power bonanza” for Holyrood, Scottish Secretary David Mundell has promised.
The SNP said, however, that the Repeal Bill confirms Tory plans for a “Westminster power grab”.
Mr Mundell used a press briefing to try to fend off claims that the UK Government would try to hold on to devolved powers when they are repatriated from Brussels.
He told reporters: “This is not a power grab, it is a power bonanza for the Scottish Parliament because after this bill has been implemented the Scottish Parliament will have more powers and responsibilities than it has today.
“I am happy to be held to account for that statement once the process has been delivered.
“Needless to say there will be a process row with the Scottish Government because the Scottish Government does process row. That is their speciality.”
Mr Mundell said regulatory frameworks over things like agriculture and fisheries may have to be operated on a UK-level level “to allow the continued operation” of the UK’s internal single market.
He also conceded some powers would be retained at Westminster for a transition period before being assumed by the devolved administrations.
The Conservative MP said the powers to return to Holyrood are likely to include those relating to the environment, criminal justice, consumer rights and energy, but he could not be more specific.
An SNP amendment to the Bill says it cannot support it as it stands because there is “no commitment to the transfer of devolved competencies coming back from the European Union to the devolved administrations”.
Ian Blackford, the SNP’s leader in Westminster, said: “Mr Mundell’s description of the Bill as a power ‘bonanza’ is quite frankly ludicrous. This is a Westminster power grab laid bare, and his attempts to defend the indefensible do him no credit.
“All of us – whether we voted Leave or Remain – want Brexit to be a success – and that is why the SNP will continue to push for the Bill to be amended to ensure it properly accounts for Scotland’s distinct interests as the UK leaves the EU.”