Refuse consent to Internal Market Bill: MSP report

The Scottish Parliament should not give consent to the UK Internal Market Bill, Holyrood’s Finance & Constitution Committee has recommended in findings published today.

MSPs on the committee were reporting ahead of a debate later today on whether to give legislative consent to the UK Government's bill, which seeks to achieve a uniform market for goods across the UK after the Brexit transition period ends.

However there are fears that the bill would prevent the passing of measures previously within Holyrood's competence, such as the law on minimum pricing of alcohol. It is also controversial in declaring the intention to override the Withdrawal Agreement reached with the EU, putting the UK in breach of international law. 

The committee – Conservative members dissenting – concludes that the bill, and its market access principles in particular, undermines the whole basis of devolution. 

It adds that it is regrettable that the UK Government has sought an accelerated legislative timetable for this "highly complex and challenging" bill.

In a 24 page letter sent to both the UK and Scottish Governments today, convener Bruce Crawford MSP said: "The Committee previously recommended that there is an onus on all four governments and legislatures across the UK to work constructively together to seek a solution to this complex and challenging issue. The Committee also recommended that this must be achieved through mutual trust and respect for the existing constitutional arrangements within the UK. 

"The committee concludes that it is highly regrettable that this has not happened. The committee is dismayed that the UK Government has instead adopted a hierarchical approach through which its default position is to impose new limitations on devolution which go way beyond the previous limitations of EU membership....

"The committee’s view is that the Internal Market Bill and the market access principles in particular undermines the whole basis of devolution. The committee’s view is that devolution cannot work on the basis of the Westminster Government imposing its view of how the UK’s constitutional arrangements should evolve following Brexit as illustrated by both the substance and delivery of the Internal Market Bill.

"The committee therefore recommends that the Parliament does not agree consent to the UK Internal Market Bill."

Click here to view the letter.