New Bill aims to help Scotland ‘keep pace’ with EU laws

Laws in Scotland should keep pace with those in the European Union after the Brexit transition period ends, Scottish ministers have said.

Constitution Secretary Mike Russell said a new Bill at Holyrood will mean that on devolved matters, Scottish law can keep in line with those in Europe “when appropriate and practicable to do so”.

The Scottish Government says its UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill will provide for continuity of provision that would otherwise be lost with Brexit.

The legislation will give Scottish ministers a discretionary power to align Scots law with EU legislation after the transition period ends on December 31.

The Bill also includes provisions to ensure EU environment principles and governance can continue in Scotland.

A new body called Environmental Standards Scotland will be set up to ensure compliance with environmental law.

Mr Russell said: “It is completely unacceptable that Scotland has been taken out of the EU but this Bill will enable us, in devolved areas at least, to ‘keep pace’ with Europe, when appropriate and practicable to do so.”

Mr Russell discussed the Bill further at the Scottish Parliament’s constitution committee yesterday.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser asked Mr Russell: “Is this not just a power grab by Scottish ministers?”

Mr Russell denied that, saying: “Law cannot be conveyed by the Scottish Parliament at any time without scrutiny.”