Ministers to meet in Edinburgh to discuss transfer of powers

Scottish and Welsh governments intend to reject repeal act

The possibility of giving new powers to Holyrood will be discussed in talks between the UK and Scottish Governments in Edinburgh.

First Secretary of State Damian Green is visiting the city for a meeting with Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Scotland’s Brexit Minister Michael Russell.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell will also attend the discussions, focusing on identifying where common frameworks are needed for powers returning from Brussels following Brexit.

The meeting will also attempt to identify areas in which both governments agree there should be a release of powers to the Scottish Parliament.

The UK Government argues these powers could then be released under the Repeal Bill, which has been described as a “power grab” by the Scottish and Welsh Governments.

Both devolved administrations have said they will not recommend legislative consent is granted for the Bill in its current state.

Mr Russell said: “The Bill as it currently stands means that Westminster would take exclusive control over significant areas of devolved policy, such as support for Scotland’s farmers and food producers and many aspects of environmental protection and control of our seas.

“We know that the UK Government has its eye on more than 100 policy areas.”

He added: “All devolved powers currently carried out at an EU level must come back to the Scottish Parliament.”

Mr Green said: “We want a positive and open dialogue with the Scottish Government to ensure that no new barriers emerge for people living and doing business in the UK.

“In some areas there will need to be a common approach.

“There will be other areas where I intend that the Scottish and UK governments can make progress in identifying policy areas that could be released to Holyrood under the new legislative arrangements.

“We expect there will be a significant increase in the decision-making power of each devolved administration and we want to address this in a way which delivers certainty and continuity for people and businesses across the UK.”

Picture: PA. Damian Green expects there to be a “significant” increase in decision-making powers transferred to Holyrood after Brexit.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney will be joined by Brexit minister Michael Russell in talks with Damian Green, First Secretary of State in the UK Government, over transferring more powers to Holyrood.