No deal ‘at any price’ to help solve Scots powers dispute

The Scottish Government has insisted it will not do a deal “at any price” to end its Brexit powers dispute with Westminster.

Holyrood’s Brexit Minister Mike Russell was in London for talks with the UK Government amid the ongoing wrangle over where control in some areas should rest after Britain leaves the European Union.

With no agreement between the two administrations, Mr Russell was also clear that if MSPs do not give formal approval to key Brexit legislation in the next two weeks, then Tory ministers should respect that.

The Scottish Parliament is expected to vote on whether it should consent to the EU Withdrawal Bill – which SNP ministers insist is a “power grab” – on May 15.

A vote to refuse would not stop the UK from passing the legislation – but it would mark the first time Westminster has put through proposals against the clear wishes of Holyrood.

Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington chaired the talks, which involved both Mr Russell and Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford.

The Welsh Government has now dropped its opposition to the Withdrawal Bill, after a number of amendments were brought forward last week, with Prime Minister Theresa May saying it was “disappointing” Scotland had not followed suit.

Mr Russell said a deal could still be reached to agree to the legislation, but added that there was now only a “short amount of time for further negotiation”.

He said: “Under the current UK Government proposal, we could see the powers of the Scottish Parliament changed without the consent of Parliament for the first time ever.

“The legislation would also give the UK Government the power to prevent the Scottish Parliament from passing legislation in key areas such as farming, fishing and the environment for up to seven years.

“I have made it perfectly clear that the Bill must respect the existing devolution settlement and that is why I will continue to try to deliver changes to protect the principles of devolution.”

He added: “While there is a short amount of time for further negotiation, the Scottish Parliament will now consider whether the EU Withdrawal Bill should be given legislative consent.

“We will respect the decision of the Scottish Parliament and I hope the UK Government will also do so.”

Mr Russell was clear to UK ministers: “We continue to look for agreement between the governments but not at any price.”

He has already indicated that amendments to the Withdrawal Bill which have been tabled in the House of Lords could provide a way forward if the UK Government was to accept them.

However, this prospect appears unlikely.

I have made it perfectly clear that the Bill must respect the existing devolution settlement.

MIKE RUSSELL