SNP ramps up Brexit threat as it plots talks with Wales to sabotage Repeal Bill
NICOLA Sturgeon’s Brexit Minister has stepped up a battle with Whitehall over flagship legislation to quit the EU.
Nicola Sturgeon's Brexit Minister has stepped up a battle with Whitehall
Mike Russell will today hold talks with Welsh counterparts amid threats to derail the so-called Repeal Bill.
The Bill - transferring thousands of existing EU regulations into UK laws - requires the backing of devolved legislatures before MPs can have their say.
Ms Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones have threaten to vote against what they describe as a “naked power grab”, in a move that could trigger a constitutional crisis.
We cannot and will not stand by and let powers in devolved areas be taken by the UK Government
Scottish Secretary David Mundell has said the legislation represents a “power bonanza” for Holyrood, which stands to gain control over issues relating to the environment, energy, criminal justice and consumer rights.
But London and Edinburgh are at loggerheads over how and when responsibilities in devolved areas, such as farming and fisheries, are transferred without damaging trade across the UK.
Mr Russell will meet Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford in Cardiff to demand major changes are made.
Mike Russell: Brexit outcome will make things 'automatically' worse
Scotland’s most senior law officer Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC and the Welsh Government’s Counsel General Mick Antoniw will also attend the talks.
Mr Russell insisted the Bill is an “attack on the hard-won powers of the Scottish Parliament and on the principles of devolution”.
He added: “We cannot and will not stand by and let powers in devolved areas be taken by the UK Government.
Mike Russell will hold talks with Welsh counterparts amid threats to derail the Repeal Bill
“The Bill must be changed to respect devolution and our parliament.”
Mr Drakeford added: “The Welsh Government’s position has always been that we agree there is a need for an orderly exit from the EU, but that it needs to be based a set of arrangements that gives certainty to businesses; to our communities and respects the devolution settlement.”
UK ministers have warned stalling on the Bill will damage firms and Britain’s of retaining access to the European single market.
Mr Russell will meet Welsh Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford
A UK Government spokesman said: “We have been clear that the Repeal Bill will not take away any decision-making powers from the devolved administrations immediately after exit.
“Instead, to protect the UK internal market, some decision-making powers being transferred into UK law will be held temporarily to allow intensive discussion and consultation with the devolved administrations.”