Holyrood Easter recess may be axed
Nicola Sturgeon wants Scottish Parliament chiefs to cancel the Easter recess to ensure MSPS are not absent when the UK potentially exits the European Union.
A spokesman for the First Minister yesterday revealed she wanted the Parliament to be in session when the next Brexit deadline is reached.
MSPS were expected to be on Easter recess from 8 to 19 April, but 12 April is the next potential Brexit date.
As a result, SNP parliamentary business manager Graeme Dey MSP asked the Scottish Parliament’s business bureau for the change. A Scottish Parliament spokesperson said: “The Bureau considered the issue and will be considering it further before the close of business on Thursday.”
A spokesman for Ms Sturgeon said yesterday: “The First Minister’s view is that if we’re in the same position this time next week as at the moment, facing a no deal, then it would be unacceptable for the Scottish Parliament to be in recess. The priority is not recess it’s dealing with Brexit.”
The House of Commons’ February recess was previously cancelled, and on Monday the Leader of the House, Andrea Leadsom announced the planned Easter recess will also be axed.
Opposition parties, apart from Scottish Labour which did not comment, gave their outline approval for the cancellation.