The Scottish Parliament will discuss how to protect devolution today. It is well documented that the government disagrees with the UK Government which believes it has the right to proceed with the EU Withdrawal Bill without Holyrood’s consent.
Michael Russell who is Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe claims that the Westminster approach is in stark contrast to what he says is Holyrood’s inclusive approach. He claims that a new way must be found.
Mr Russell said: “The UK Government’s position of ignoring or over-riding the views of the Scottish Parliament has been a consistent pattern since the EU referendum two years ago. This can’t go on.
“They have ignored votes on protecting Scotland’s relationship with the EU; triggering Article 50, retaining our place in the Single Market and Customs Union and have now passed legislation on devolved matters for the first time without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.
“I believe we need to revisit the issue of a proper statutory footing for the Sewel Convention, as recommended by the cross-party Smith Commission after the independence referendum.
“Today we are holding a debate without a motion and vote because, in stark contrast to Westminster, I want to hear from all parties on how we can protect the Scottish Parliament and ensure the views of the people of Scotland are respected, and not ignored in the Brexit process as they have been up until now.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
