Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs Michael Russell has responded to a UK Government paper.
This is the paper which outlines the measures contained in the forthcoming Coronavirus Bill at Westminster tomorrow
Mr Russell said: “This Bill is the result of intensive work between the UK Government and the devolved administrations, and is necessary because of the unprecedented public health and economic challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
“The measures it contains cover a range of topics and sectors, including bespoke provisions for Scotland. Combined with measures already being taken by the Scottish Government and our partners, it will help ensure our health and social care services remain effectively resourced, protect people and assist in slowing the spread of coronavirus.
“In addition to the immediate priority of assisting our health and social care services, the Bill also contains provisions relating to statutory sick pay which are aimed at ensuring that the economic impact on small businesses and individuals is lessened.”
“I should emphasise that creating additional, time-limited powers through this Bill does not mean that all of them will be used. Decisions will be taken at the appropriate time, based on the situation in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.”
The paper is on the UK Government website ‘What the coronavirus bill will do‘.
The government also has a page on its website dedicated to Coronavirus and the government response to it.
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