IF there’s ever an example of how devolution isn’t working, it’s the deposit return scheme. Scotland was set to be the first country in the UK to introduce a system of consumers paying a refundable deposit of 20p for drinks in plastic, glass and cans, joining more than 45 other countries around the world that have similar schemes.
The aims include reducing litter and greenhouse gas emissions, increase recycling and shifting costs of recovery of containers away from local authorities onto producers.
Legislation to enable DRS was consulted on, scrutinised, voted and passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2020. True, it’s not been without its difficulties, with debate about the scheme’s readiness and implementation resulting in delays to the start.
But now there’s a question over whether it can go ahead at all, thanks to the UK Government.
Because Scotland wanted to introduce the scheme first, ministers north of the Border had to seek an exemption from the Internal Market, introduced after Brexit to apparently ensure “smooth trade” across the UK.
At the time, there were warnings this legislation was a “blatant power grab” on Holyrood powers. Now we see it in action, with the UK Government saying it will allow the DRS in Scotland to go ahead – but only its terms that glass is excluded in line with schemes in England and Northern Ireland.
What makes it worse is that not so long ago, the Scottish Tories were demanding glass be included in the scheme – and the Tories at Westminster even included it in their 2019 manifesto.
The DRS scheme can be added to the growing list of legislation passed by Holyrood which the UK Government has stamped over.
See also bills on gender reform, children’s rights, local government and Brexit.
The Conservatives no doubt believe they are showing the strength of the Union.
In reality, they are making the case for independence stronger every day.
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