HOLYROOD has passed a motion calling on the UK Government to withdraw its plans for an internal market regime following the end of the Brexit transition period.
The Scottish Government motion, which said the proposals are “incompatible with devolution and the democratic accountability of the Scottish Parliament” and will also “fundamentally undermine legitimate devolved policy choices on a range of matters, including the environment, public health and social protections”, was passed by 92 votes to 31.
The vote came after MSPs rejected by 30 votes to 91 a Conservative amendment that called on Scottish ministers to “engage constructively with the UK Government” on the plans.
A Labour amendment, which warned Westminster’s plans could “hinder the capacity to utilise state aid interventions, including public ownership” was passed by 91 votes to 31.
A Green amendment, stating the UK Government’s proposed legislation will be a “clear breach” of the 1998 Scotland Act, which led to the establishment of the Scottish Parliament, was also passed by 91 votes to 31.
But MSPs voted down a Liberal Democrat amendment calling for the current plans to “be replaced with proposals to assist a smooth-running UK internal market through agreed frameworks and joint decision-making between the four UK administrations in a federal arrangement”, with this defeated by 27 votes to 95.
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