The UK took another step closer to the Brexit trapdoor when MPs voted 324 – 298 in favour of the legislation last night. The Westminster government made concessions and has promised parliament a “meaningful vote” on the final deal, ensuring Britain remains on track to leave the EU on 29 March next year.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell has commented on the Commons vote on amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill. He said: “The EU (Withdrawal) Bill provides certainty for business and families in Scotland as we leave the EU. It fully respects both the spirit and letter of the devolution settlement.
“It guarantees the vast majority of powers returning from the UK will go directly to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. In a small number of areas current arrangements will remain in place until we can create new UK-wide frameworks.
“We have made strenuous efforts during a year of negotiations to reach agreement with the Scottish and Welsh governments. We are disappointed the Scottish Government did not support it, as the Welsh Government has done. The constitutional settlement provides for this situation, and we are proceeding in line with the Sewel Convention.
“We now need to look to the future, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government to create the UK-wide legal frameworks we need to protect the UK internal market – a market which is vital for business and jobs in Scotland.”
However Mike Russell, Holyrood’s Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, said the Withdrawal Bill decision is a “dark day for devolution”. Mr Russell said the outcome shows contempt for democracy.
Responding to the failure of the UK Government to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill and respect the vote of the Scottish Parliament to refuse consent, Michael Russell said: “For almost 20 years, decisions made by the Scottish Parliament on issues affecting devolution have been final. Today, the UK Government tore up the constitutional rule-book and imposed its will in the face of an overwhelming vote in the Scottish Parliament.
“The fact that they rail-roaded this measure through with no time for speeches from anyone other than the UK Government Minister shows utter contempt for Scottish democracy. This is a dark day for devolution.
“Forcing through a law that could freeze the powers of the Parliament for up to seven years without its consent, means our hands will be tied in relation to farming, fishing, the environment, food standards and a host of other devolved area.
“The UK Government today had a duty to amend the bill to respect the will of the Scottish Parliament. They failed to do so. Further Brexit bills will also require the consent of the Scottish Parliament – and yet the UK Government has decided to use this moment to tear up the rules that have until now protected devolution. We will reflect on this situation carefully as we consider next steps.”
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