Backing for Scottish party’s Brexit Bill stance

Jeremy Corbyn has accused the UK Government of a “power grab” over key Brexit legislation governing the return of devolved powers from Brussels.

The Labour leader said he was “very happy” Scottish Labour will vote against the Scottish Parliament granting consent for the EU Withdrawal Bill next week.

The Welsh and Scottish governments had teamed up to oppose the Bill, claiming it harmed devolution, but the Labour-led Welsh administration struck a deal with UK ministers last month.

The Scottish Government continues to oppose granting consent for the legislation, claiming that unless the controversial clause 11 is removed, Holyrood’s powers could be restricted by Westminster for up to seven years.

On a visit to Glasgow yesterday, Mr Corbyn said: “I’m very happy that the Scottish Labour Party will be voting against the legislative consent proposal next week because, quite clearly, there is a power grab going on by Whitehall on the EU withdrawal.”

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said his party will “almost certainly” vote against granting consent when the motion comes before the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, due to concerns the legislation does not sufficiently recognise devolution.

Adam Tomkins, Scottish Conservative constitution spokesman, said: “Mr Corbyn’s Labour Party is all over the place on this.

“While the Labour administration in Wales has agreed the UK Government’s plans are fair and reasonable, Labour in Scotland appears happy to dance to the SNP’s tune.”