Michael Gove to be quizzed by two Holyrood committees over Brexit’s impact on Scottish rural affairs
Michael Gove will give evidence to two Holyrood committees this week on the possible Brexit impact on key sectors of Scotland’s economy.
The UK Secretary of State for the Environment and Rural Affairs will appear via video link tomorrow to answer questions from MSPS, with one warning that Scotland faced
“real challenges” in how environmental issues are addressed when the country leaves the European Union.
Scottish ministers have previously raised concerns that Brexit may damage efforts to protect the environment, including tougher emissions reduction targets north of the Border.
Around 80 per cent of Scottish environmental law, including areas such as waste
management, pollution, biodiversity and flooding, originates in the EU. Mr Gove will give evidence to the environment, climate change and land reform committee as well as the rural economy and connectivity committee.
Gillian Martin MSP, convener of the land reform committee, said: “It is clear that we are at a crossroads for the environment in Scotland.
“With Brexit and the everpresent risk of a no-deal exit, there are real challenges facing how our environment is protected and managed.
“In addition to hearing whether the UK government intends to legislate in this devolved area, we will explore issues we’ve been discussing with stakeholders around chemicals and waste.
“These will be subject to common frameworks – agreed with the UK government and other devolved administrations – so it is important to hear the UK government’s priorities and expectations.
“We want to ensure that the protections and regulations which govern these areas won’t be eroded. We will also seek strong assurances from the secretary of state that the UK government will not unpick the devolution settlement and will respect the Scottish Parliament’s legislative competence on environmental policy.”
Edward Mountain MSP, convener of the rural economy committee, said: “The success of the farming and fishing sectors are crucial to rural communities across Scotland and indeed the UK.
“Leaving the EU, and the terms on which we leave, matter deeply to these vital industries.”
Mr Gove sparked anger earlier this month when he told a fringe meeting at the Scots Tory conference that UK ministers should be allowed to spend money directly in areas devolved to Holyrood.