MICHAEL Gove is to be quizzed by MSPs at Holyrood over whether the UK Government intends to take policy decisions in devolved areas after Brexit.
Gove, pictured, will appear via video link at two committees – the Environmental, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, and the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, tomorrow.
The Environment Secretary will be asked about what environmental, agricultural and fisheries policies could be implemented by the UK Government after the UK’s departure from the EU.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last week warned that devolution is under threat from “creeping centralisation” from Westminster.
Environmental, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee convener Gillian Martin indicated that strong assurances must be given by Gove to ensure the devolution settlement is not “unpicked”.
“It is clear that we are at a crossroads for the environment in Scotland,” said Martin.
“With Brexit and the ever-present 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, which could lead to chemicals classed as too unsafe to be imported into the EU being brought into the UK, or that waste shipments won’t be halted.”
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