Optimism from Scots minister over deal

An agreement on post-Brexit devolved powers is still “perfectly possible” according to Scotland’s Brexit Minister Michael Russell.

The Scottish Government last week rejected UK ministers’ proposals to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill in an effort to end the long-running row with the devolved administrations over where powers will lie when the UK leaves the EU.

While the Welsh government has now reached agreement, Scottish ministers have stood firm in their objection, saying the proposals would mean Holyrood’s powers could be restricted without consent for up to seven years.

However Mr Russell told BBC Scotland’s Sunday Politics Scotland programme that it was not too late for a deal if the issues around consent could be resolved.

Speaking ahead of further talks with UK ministers this week, he said: “I think a deal is perfectly possible.

“Paradoxically I think it is probably easier to achieve because it is absolutely clear what will produce a deal and what won’t.

“I don’t think there is a huge amount that separates us now.”

The Brexit Minister also said he would give consideration to amendments being tabled by Lord Hope in an attempt to break the deadlock.

“I hope I can be very positive about them,” he added.