Scotland rejects Brexit amendment

The Scottish Government has rejected a deal aimed at ending a longrunning Brexit dispute between Westminster and the devolved administrations – despite politicians in Wales giving it the go-ahead.

Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said changes had been put forward to the UK Government’s EU Withdrawal Bill which would “protect devolution”.

Like their counterparts in Scotland, ministers in Wales had previously insisted the Bill was a “power grab”.

Now the UK Government is to make a number of changes, including introducing a “sunset clause” limiting how long devolved powers returning from Brussels will remain in London after Britain leaves the European Union.

But Scottish Brexit Minister Mike Russell said the amendments, due to be published today, could still see Holyrood’s powers restricted for up to seven years.

Mr Russell stressed the Scottish Government still wanted to reach a deal with the UK Government over the EU Withdrawal Bill, but was clear ministers could “not agree at any price.

Devolved powers returning from Brussels in the wake of Brexit would go first to the UK Government, so common frameworks can be established, but even with the “sunset clause” in place, Mr Russell claimed Westminster would have a “free hand to pass legislation” directly affecting matters such as fishing or the environment in Scotland for up to seven years, while Holyrood’s hands would be “tied”.

A spokeswoman for Theresa May said the UK Government had “put a considerable offer on the table that would see the vast majority of devolved powers automatically flow from the EU to Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh”.

She added: “It’s disappointing that the Scottish Government have not yet felt able to agree with our amendment but we remain focused on engaging constructively with them to provide the certainty needed and make sure all parts of the UK are ready for our departure from the EU.”