UK MINISTERS’ plan for a post-Brexit internal market is “bad for consumers and business, and disastrous for devolution”, according to the Scottish Government.
In response to the proposals – which have been described by the Constitution Secretary as “biggest power grab yet” on the Scottish Parliament – the Scottish Government has published a 21-page document setting out how they would threaten high standards and a range of devolved policy.
It comes as the UK Government’s consultation on the policy plan ended today. Yesterday ministers confirmed they would not give evidence on the matter to a Holyrood committee – just 36 minutes before the meeting was due to begin.
The Tories plan to create a new internal market between the four nations at the end of the Brexit transition period – but Michael Russell has warned this will impact powers over food labelling, food manufacturing and hygiene, animal welfare, recycling and other environmental matters.
READ MORE: UK Government blows off MSPs 36 minutes before power grab meeting starts
The document warns that the internal market proposals would “constrain devolved competence in a way never envisaged or proposed before”.
It says: “The proposals would undoubtedly be to the severe detriment of businesses and consumers in Scotland.”
The Scottish Government argues the proposals are “fundamentally inconsistent with devolution” and will not only permit but “encourage” a lowering of standards without involvement from the devolved governments. Ministers believe proposals are also unnecessary as there is already a system which governs trading arrangements across the UK.
The plans would come into force at the end of the Brexit transition period.
Ian Blackford, the SNP Westminster leader, has called the proposals an “ill-disguised power grab”.
He added: “All of us should be concerned that a UK Govt is prepared to undermine democracy and our Parliament. There is a way to protect ourselves, it is independence.”
Speaking as the document was released this morning, Russell said: “The UK Government’s proposals talk about a guarantee for all UK companies to trade unhindered in every part of the UK – raising concerns about private companies pursuing a claim to be allowed to operate in Scotland’s health service.
“Indeed the whole thrust of these proposals is to impose uniform standards across a range of devolved policy areas whatever the wishes of the people of Scotland or the Scottish Parliament.
“That would mean that if a trade deal with the US resulted in lower food standards, those standards would have to be accepted in Scotland. That would be damaging to our world-leading, high-quality food and drink industry.
“All the indications are that the UK Government will try to fast-track these proposals, which will be bad for consumers and business, and disastrous for devolution.
“The Scottish Government will do all we can to stop them and to protect the Scottish Parliament.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel