Responding to the introduction of the European Union (Withdrawal)
Bill, First Minister of Scotland
and First Minister of Wales have today issued the below
joint statement.
“This week began with the Prime Minister calling for a
constructive and collaborative approach from those outside
Whitehall to help get Brexit right. Today’s publication of The
European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is the first test as to whether
the UK Government is serious about such an approach. It is a test
it has failed utterly.
“We have repeatedly tried to engage with the UK Government on
these matters, and have put forward constructive proposals about
how we can deliver an outcome which will protect the interests of
all the nations in the UK, safeguard our economies and respect
devolution.
“Regrettably, the Bill does not do this. Instead, it is a naked
power-grab, an attack on the founding principles of devolution
and could destabilise our economies.
“Our two governments – and the UK government – agree we need a
functioning set of laws across the UK after withdrawal from the
EU. We also recognise that common frameworks to replace EU laws
across the UK may be needed in some areas. But the way to achieve
these aims is through negotiation and agreement, not imposition.
It must be done in a way which respects the hard-won devolution
settlements.
“The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill does not return powers from
the EU to the devolved administrations, as promised. It returns
them solely to the UK Government and Parliament, and imposes new
restrictions on the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for
Wales.
“On that basis, the Scottish and Welsh Governments cannot
recommend that legislative consent is given to the Bill as it
currently stands.
“The Bill lifts from the UK Government and Parliament the
requirement to comply with EU law, but does the opposite for the
devolved legislatures: it imposes a new set of strict
restrictions. These new restrictions make no sense in the context
of the UK leaving the EU.
“We have explained these points to the UK Government and have set
out what we consider to be a constructive way forward in the
spirit of co-operation, based on the involvement of, and respect
for, devolved institutions.
“Unfortunately, the conversation has been entirely one-sided. We
remain open to these discussions, and look forward to coming to
an agreed solution between the governments of these islands.”
