The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Sturgeon warns against ‘power grab’
Bill, which will turn more than 40 years of EU regulations into domestic laws.
He said in areas where the devolved administrations have competence, such as agriculture, the environment and some parts of transport, it is exercised within the “constraints set by EU law”.
Headded:“Theexistence of common EU frameworks has had the effect of providing a common UK framework in many areas, safeguarding the functioning of theUKinternal market.
“As powers return from the EU, we have an oppor- tunity to determine the level best placed to take decisions on these issues, ensuring power sits closer to the people of the UK than ever before.
“It is the expectation of the government that the outcomeof this process will be a significant increase in the decision-making power of each devolved administration.
“Butwemust also ensure that – as we leave the EU – no new barriers to living and doing business within our own union are created.
“In some areas, this will require common UK frameworks.”
Mr Russell argued the white paper exposed the extent of the “empty promises” and left key questions unanswered, such as the nature of the powers for the Scottish Parliament and the need for its consent.
Mr Russell continued: “Thewhitepapercontinues to threaten that in areas such as agriculture, fisheries and the environment, powers will be taken by the UK Government after Brexit. For the UK Government to seek to impose legislative frameworks on these areas would be to take the unprecedented step of extending its powers over Scotland and must not take place.”
Meanwhile, Banff and Buchan MP, Eilidh Whiteford, asked if it was the UK Government’s intention to simply “replicate” theCommon Fisheries Policy.
She inquired: “Is the government seriously suggesting that we will have business as usual for the fishing industry under a CFP framework after Brexit?”
Mr Davis said some of what she called business as usual would be temporary and some of it permanent.
“Take the unprecedented step of extending its powers over Scotland”