Pragmatism needed in ‘power grab’ row

Intervention of devolution architect Lord Sewell should give pause for thought in Brexit dispute

IT is evidence, insists the SNP, of nothing less then a constitutional crisis. After the UK government last week refused to acknowledge Holyrood’s rejection of its EU Withdrawal Bill, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland had been treated with “utter contempt”; Westminster was planning a “power grab”, intending to retain authority after Brexit over matters which should become the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament. This line of attack has ensured the SNP is on the political front foot. And, with the majority of Scots against Brexit, the party has the wind at its back. But there are serious questions to be asked about the Nationalists’ analysis of what if now happening.

The words “power grab” are potent, playing into a long-standing SNP narrative that Scotland is very much a junior partner in the UK. However, there is also a compelling argument for Westminster to have complete authority here.

The EU referendum – much as its result might have disappointed a majority of Scots – was a matter for the entire UK and, as such, the UK government has authority.

It is clear that Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU are not as straightforward as Leave campaigners would have had the electorate believe they would be. This is hugely regrettable, if unsurprising, and it throws into focus – we believe – the need for pragmatism on all sides of this argument. In the absence of a second referendum on the issue, the UK will leave the EU next year and it is in the interests of all constituent countries for the best possible deal to be achieved.

Lord Sewel, one of the authors of the devolution settlement, yesterday intervened in the row between the UK and Westminster and his words are worthy of careful consideration. The former Labour peer, who lent his name to the convention that Westminster does not normally legislate on devolved matters without Holyrood’s approval, said the size and scale of Brexit as an issue meant Westminster must be able to act on its own initiative

Lord Sewel insisted there was no constitutional crisis and that some parties were using the row to seek political advantage. Some may hear the ring of truth.

The SNP has certainly demonstrated its political skills in ensuring the party – and Scotland – is at the heart of this debate but whether its tactics will help rather than hinder the agreement of the best possible deal remains to be seen.