Defending devolution

19 September 2017

The Scottish and Welsh governments have jointly published amendments to the European Union (withdrawal bill), to prevent the UK government taking control of devolved policy areas.

First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Carwyn Jones have written to the Prime Minister saying the amendments are necessary to respect the hard-won devolution settlements.

Both governments have said they could not recommend giving consent to the withdrawal bill unless it is substantially changed.

The amendments will achieve the following objectives:

  • Ensure devolved policy areas come back to the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly of Wales on withdrawal from the EU

  • Prevent UK ministers unilaterally changing the Scotland Act and Government of Wales Act

  • Require the agreement of the Scottish Government on necessary changes to current EU law in devolved areas after Brexit

  • Ensure additional restrictions are not placed on devolved ministers compared with UK Government ministers

Read more from the Scottish Government.

 

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