IN all the stushie about whether the Westminster proposals for an internal market constitute a power grab from the devolved governments, particularly Scotland, some simple questions can provide the answer.
Have these powers been exercised for the last 20 years by the devolved Holyrood government? Answer: Yes! Have the differences caused by the exercise of these powers hindered the internal market with the rest of the UK? No.
So there is no reasonable, necessary justification for changing the situation.
READ MORE: ‘Outrageous’ Tories try to sneak through Scottish power grab
Finally, and most importantly, the Act setting up devolution states that ANY powers not specified as reserved are therefore devolved. Powers in the areas now covered by these proposals are not mentioned as reserved, so are therefore by law devolved. So there is no legal justification for changing the situation.
So, if no positive justification exists, what benefit does Westminster seek for rUK that they do not currently enjoy?
Or is it just using Brexit as an excuse to weaken Holyrood, on the way to disbanding it eventually, on grounds that it serves little purpose, when Westminster does everything of importance for us anyway?
Bully for the Union!!
L McGregor
Falkirk
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