Scottish Government Debate: Protecting the Powers of the Scottish Parliament

Kate Forbes S6M-16511 That the Parliament notes the publication of the UK Government’s consultation and review of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, which sets out that it will “not consider whether to repeal the UK Internal Market Act or any part of it”; recalls that both the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd refused to give the Act legislative consent; notes the position of the Welsh Government, which opposes the Act, believing it to be “an unwarranted attack on devolution”; reaffirms its decision regarding the Act on 3 October 2023, and calls for it to be repealed. Rachael Hamilton S6M-16511.2 As an amendment to motion S6M-16511 in the name of Kate Forbes (Protecting the Powers of the Scottish Parliament), leave out from “, which sets” to end and insert “; recognises the fundamental importance of the UK internal market to Scotland’s businesses, investment and jobs, given that trade with the rest of the UK accounts for over 60% of Scotland’s total exports, worth over £52 billion annually; believes that the integrity of the UK internal market is essential to economic stability, consumer confidence and business certainty across Scotland; notes that the Scottish Government has consistently failed to make effective use of the extensive powers already devolved to the Scottish Parliament by presiding over declining public service performance and failing to roll out devolved benefits on time; further notes that, rather than constructively engaging with the opportunities afforded by devolution, the Scottish National Party administration has prioritised constitutional grievance over delivering for the people of Scotland, and condemns the Scottish Government for its attacks on the powers of the Scottish Parliament through its leaking of crucial policies to the press before being announced to the Parliament, passing legislation that bypasses proper parliamentary scrutiny and failing to answer questions from parliamentarians about important topics that are in the public interest.” Neil Bibby S6M-16511.1 As an amendment to motion S6M-16511 in the name of Kate Forbes (Protecting the Powers of the Scottish Parliament), leave out from first "notes” to end and insert “welcomes the publication of the UK Government’s consultation and review of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, which is broader in scope and being carried out earlier than required by law; notes the change of UK administration in July 2024 and welcomes its commitment to resetting the relationship between the UK Government and devolved governments and its intention to uphold its responsibilities under the Windsor Framework; welcomes the immediate commitment from the UK Government to delivering the joint common framework programme ahead of the review; believes that changes to the Act, co-operation between governments, respect for devolution and ensuring that there are no barriers to trade between Scotland and the rest of the UK are all essential; further believes that the interests of supporting Scotland’s businesses and economic growth should be paramount; welcomes that the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee is due to take evidence on the review, and awaits its findings, and encourages Scotland’s businesses, and other stakeholders, to take part in the review by 3 April 2025.”