Covid powers spark protest by MSPS

Controversial “Henry VIII” powers in the Scottish Government’s coronavirus legislation will be subject to parliamentary approval, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has said.

He said the government will amend the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill, which makes some emergency powers permanent, acknowledging the concerns of MSPS.

During a debate at Holyrood yesterday, Mr Swinney said: “I remain of the view that this power is appropriate and is already subject to significant safeguards”, while adding that a number of amendments will be brought forward as he discussed the proposal for powers to modify primary legislation through health protection regulations.

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “To make permanent what were emergency and extraordinary powers passes control from parliament to the government.

“It represents a power-grab on the part of SNP ministers and that is not something we can support.”

Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said her party will not support the bill, saying it “does react to past challenges while failing to learn lessons from the pandemic”.

She added: “The SNP are pushing through a bill that would have serious and long-term consequences for this country and for our democracy.”

She said she will look at the amendment proposed by Mr Swinney and make a decision at a later date.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-hamilton said his party will not support the bill, claiming it would “represent a permanent transfer from parliament to the executive.”