Holyrood attempt to limit extension of Covid emergency powers fails
An attempt by MSPS to limit how long emergency coronavirus powers can be extended has failed.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie tabled an amendment to the Coronavirus (Extension and Expiry) (Scotland) Bill to remove powers from the legislation allowing the Scottish Government to extend the powers of two emergency coronavirus acts passed last year until September 2022.
The Bill would allow the extension of the powers, which allow for the early release of prisoners because of coronavirus, as well as the extension of protection for renters and continuing to allow courts and tribunals to
work remotely.
M easures to ensure marriages and civil partnerships could take place during the pandemic and emergency measures to protect children's rights will be ended.
The extension would see the powers, due to end on September 30 of this year, continue until at least the end of March 2022, with the possibility of a further six month extension should ministers deem it necessary.
The two amendments were voted down by 55 votes to 65 and 54 votes to 66 respectively.
The Bill also passed its latest parliamentary hurdle yesterday, as it moved through its second stage, ahead of its third and final stage today ahead of the recess.
Speaking in support of her motion, Ms Baillie said: "As it stands, the Bill will be extended by six months to April 2022 - I don't believe that it's necessary to go beyond that and if there's another emergency then there is time to bring forward legislation at speed to cope with it."