Gove steps in after Sharma refuses to answer MSPS’ questions

Michael Gove has said he will answer MS PSqu estions about the controversial Internal Markets Bill after his cabinet colleague, Alok Sharma, said he had no time to give evidence on the legislation.

Mr Sharma, the UK government’ s Secretary of State for Business, had claimed the“tight leg islative timetable” around the post-brexit law made it impossible for him to be quizzed by MSPS on the finance and constitution committee – despite fears that the bill undermines the devolution settlement.

Now Mr Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, has said he will appear in Mr Sharma’s place. His office contacted the Scottish Parliament to say he would give evidence on behalf of the UK government, in the light of his colleague’s refusal.

Committee convener Bruce Crawford had said he was“dismayed” by Mr Sharma’s decision to decline the invitation to attend Holyrood, given the bill’s “profound impact on the devolution settlement”, but welcomed the offer from Mr Gove.

The committee is scrutinising the bill as the UK government needs the Scottish Parliament to give legislative consent as it impacts on devolved matters including food standards.

The UK government has claimed the legislation is necessary to deal with the powers returning from the EU, aiming to enshrine “mutual recognition and non-discrimination” in terms of trade between the four nations of the United Kingdom.