SNP accuses PM of ‘power grab’ despite his pledge to Holyrood
BORIS Johnson plans to give 111 extra powers to the Scottish Parliament when the Brexit transition period ends.
Plans announced by Downing Street would see the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments receive powers previously controlled by the EU.
They are part of measures to legislate for an internal market within the UK come December 31, which have been opened for consultation today.
The trade bill includes a “mutual recognition” regime which would see goods move freely within the country.
Even if Scotland or Wales upheld different standards for goods or services, they would still have to accept them from England.
The move comes after the SNP yesterday held a debate in the Commons where they protested about the so-called “power grab” from the Conservatives, arguing that the Prime Minister was disrespecting devolution.
Ian Blackford, SNP Westminster leader, told MPS that “UK relations with the Scottish Government are worse than ever under this Prime Minister’s leadership”.
He continued: “We have been increasingly concerned at the lack of any meaningful consultation with the Scottish Government and other devolved nations on the Brexit talks and at the growing threat of a Tory power grab in devolved areas, including agriculture and food standards — all for a Brexit fantasy that Scotland never gave its consent to and that is now being used as a power grab from the Scottish Parliament, and for a future that we never voted for.”
The SNP claims the approach could force supermarkets in Scotland to sell inferior quality food, such as chlorinated chicken from the US.
However, Downing Street insists the plans are “pro-devolution” and will provide extra powers to Holyrood than they had before, as well as to governments in Cardiff and Belfast.
A No 10 official said:“what was being proposed is the system of mutual recognition and non-discrimination as in other countries around the world like Australia and Switzerland.
“There shouldn’t be any areas that are then impacted... The reason for this is the principle of mutual recognition and to protect trade and jobs. This is so we can continue to trade barrier-free throughout the UK, as has obviously been the case for hundreds of years, and what it means is that a regulation from one part of the UK will be recognised all across the country.”
When asked if the plans were a “power grab” the official said: “It is just not. The question for the Scottish Government is why is it okay to be set at EU level but not at UK level where we have Scottish MPS directly voting on measures?
“So it’s not, and if they want to influence things more they shouldn’t have walked away from this work stream in spring of 2019. We will try to engage in good faith throughout this consultation. ”
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said the plan was a “power surge” for devolved governments.
He said: “As powers flow back from Brussels to the devolved administrations in Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff – as well as to the UK Government – we want to build on the good progress we have already made.
“We will develop new ways of working together and learning from each other to help create more opportunities for jobs and investment for businesses and citizens across the United Kingdom.”
Among the additional powers Westminster claims will be shifted from the EU to Holyrood are laws around public procurement, air quality, maritime legislation, energy efficiency and water quality.
Mr Gove said: “So we will work over the coming weeks with the devolved administrations in Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh on a new structure for how we can co-operate better and share ideas, and we will be bringing proposals to the table to agree a way forward.
“We should be learning from one another, combining the expertise of each nation to share ideas, innovation and, where appropriate, put in place processes for voluntary cooperation.
“People right across the UK want
Our proposals respect and strengthen devolution
their governments and institutions to work together at every level to improve their lives, and the UK Government is committed to working to do this. Our proposals respect and strengthen devolution. I hope the Scottish Government will work with us as we take this forward for the benefit of businesses and consumers in Scotland.”
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “The UK’S internal market has functioned seamlessly for centuries. When we exit the transition period at the end of the year, we want to ensure the most successful political and economic union of nations in the world continues to grow and thrive.
“This plan protects jobs and livelihoods. Without these necessary reforms, the way we trade goods and services between the home nations could be seriously impacted, harming the way we do business within our own borders. Ensuring businesses will be able to continue trading freely across all four corners of the UK without the burden of inconsistent regulation or additional costs will be essential as we fire up our economic engines as we recover from coronavirus.”