SNP’S Scots Brexit Bill backed at Holyrood

The Scottish Government’s Brexit bill has passed its first parliamentary hurdle after its general principles were approved by MSPS last night.

The Bill won cross-party support, with only the Tories opposing the plans as it was passed by 94 votes to 30 at Holyrood.

Theukwithdrawalfromthe European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill is being sped through the Scottish Parliament as emergency legislation amid a row between UK and Scottish ministers over devolved powers returning from Brussels.

Brexit minister Michael 0 Michael Russell: ‘stand up for the rights of this parliament’ Russell said he plans to publish the 25 areas in the UK government’s EU Withdrawal Bill where the two sides cannot agree as soon as possible.

He said that a whole range of things were being done to help the chamber consider the SNP administration’s continu- ity bill in the shortened time and meet objections raised on scrutiny, including changes to the second stage and several committee evidence sessions.

Mr Russell, who has previously insisted the emergency legislation is a necessary practical step, added: “I believe we should stand up for the rights of this parliament because that’s standing up for the rights of the people of Scotland.

“But I go in to negotiate absolutely determined to get an agreement.”

Conservative Adam Tomkins claimed that the Scottish Government has “traded away leverage” to make changes to the UK government’s bill by bringing forward their alternative as emergency legislation.

He said: “This bill and the way it is to be enacted in haste have completely undercut and betrayed the interests of this parliament.”

Mr Tomkins said the continuity bill was a “wrecking legislation” which will cause “legal chaos”.

The Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, Ken Macintosh, has said the bill is outwith the competence of Holyrood but Lord Advocate James Wolffe has argued the it is not.

If passed, it is likely to end up in the Supreme Court.

Labour backed the Bill but voiced concerns over the accelerated process and have pledged to bring amendments.