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The UK Withdrawal from the EU (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 18 June 2020 by the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, Michael Russell MSP.
Overview
This Bill aims to make sure that Scottish law can continue to align with EU law after the UK leaves the European Union.
It will help Scottish law keep up with future developments in EU law after 31 December and will also allow changes to be made to EU laws which are already operating in Scotland. This could apply to areas that are devolved to Scotland like the environment, agriculture and fisheries.
The Bill does three main things:
- Gives Scottish Ministers the power to keep devolved laws similar to EU laws;
- Ensures that Scottish Ministers and public bodies pay attention to environmental principles when they make policies; and
- Sets up a new organisation – Environmental Standards Scotland – to replace the oversight of environmental law currently provided by the EU
Lead Committee: Finance and Constitution Committee
Secondary Committee: Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee
SPICe briefing
SPICe has produced two briefings on the Bill:
UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill: Parts 1 and 3
Consideration by the Finance and Constitution Committee
Consideration by the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee
Date | Action |
25 June 2020 | The Committee issued a call for views. |