SNP backs down over Brexit row
Russell signs joint transfer deal
SNP ministers have backtracked by signing an agreement stating that they now accept some powers in devolved areas should go to Westminster after Brexit.
Nicola Sturgeon has repeatedly branded Theresa May’s so-called ‘great repeal Bill’ as a ‘power grab’ and demanded that all 111 powers in devolved areas are transferred from Brussels to Holyrood.
But SNP Brexit Minister Mike Russell finally announced a change of position yesterday after admitting that ‘progress’ had been made during crunch talks held in Whitehall.
Mr Russell, alongside members of the Welsh Government and Northern Irish civil servants, signed a joint agreement with the UK Government on key ‘principles’ for the transfer of powers from Brussels to the UK.
The principles included that ‘common frameworks will be established where they are necessary in order to enable the functioning of the UK internal market, while acknowledging policy divergence’.
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: ‘This seems like a long way from the so-called power grab the Nationalists were moaning about a few weeks back.
‘Maybe Nicola Sturgeon’s finally realised the people of Scotland want her to work with the UK Government, not against it, to get a Brexit deal that works for everyone.’
Damian Green, the Prime Minister’s deputy, claimed that the progress made during yesterday’s discussions means ‘talk of a power grab is now behind us’.
However, Mr Russell insisted that, while there had been ‘some progress’, the SNP would still not recommend that MSPs back the EU Withdrawal Bill unless further changes are made.
A statement agreed by Mr Green and the representatives of the devolved nations yesterday said: ‘As the UK leaves the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom and the devolved administrations agree to work together to establish common approaches in some areas that are currently governed by EU law, but that are otherwise within areas of competence of the devolved administrations or legislatures.
‘A framework will set out a common UK, or GB, approach and how it will be operated and governed.
‘This may consist of common goals, minimum or maximum standards, harmonisation, limits on action, or mutual recognition, depending on the policy area and the objectives being pursued.’ Conservative ministers have consistently argued that some UK-wide frameworks will be required in devolved areas in order to protect the single market by replicating rules currently imposed by the European Commission.
However, the SNP has said that any move to give power to Westminster in devolved areas would be a ‘power grab’.
Following yesterday’s meeting, Mr Green, the First Secreto tary of State, said: ‘These principles will hopefully now pave the way to agreeing a set of frameworks that will deliver vital certainty and continuity for people and businesses across the United Kingdom.’
In response, Mr Russell said: ‘We have been able to make some progress, including agreeing general principles that should ensure the role of the Scottish parliament in any potential UK or GB-wide frameworks.
‘However, we remain unable recommend the Scottish parliament consent to the EU Withdrawal Bill as currently drafted and will not be able to do so until the power grab is removed from the Bill.
‘I have and will continue to press for the amendments suggested by ourselves and the Welsh Government to be accepted, removing the power grab and providing a clear solution that respects devolution.’
Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: ‘We have taken a major step today by agreeing a set of principles on how we will move forward with the powers returning to the UK from Brussels.
‘These principles will underpin the decisions we need to take on which areas go directly to the Scottish parliament and which will be subject to UK-wide frameworks.
‘I’m very pleased that we’ve moved in a positive direction and are building on the momentum from the bilateral meetings held with the Scottish Government over the summer.
‘It is clear we have common agendas and a basis to take that forward.’
‘We have taken a major step’ ‘Deal that works for everyone’