Scottish Government’s Continuity Bill passes stage two

The Scottish Government’s Continuity Bill has passed its second stage after a mammoth 11 hours of scrutiny.

The European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill is being treated as an emergency bill, meaning it is being rushed through parliament within three weeks.

The bill will assure continuity of EU legislation in Scotland in case no agreement is reached with the UK Government over the UK’s EU Withdrawal Bill.

Commenting on the conclusion of Stage 2, Scotland’s Brexit minister, Michael Russell, said: “I welcome the engagement and scrutiny we have seen from across the chamber over the last few days, which shows the Scottish Parliament working effectively.

“We have received a number of suggestions during this process which we recognise will help to improve and strengthen the bill.

“The Scottish Government continues to talk with the UK Government to find agreement on the EU Withdrawal Bill, but as drafted we could not recommend consent to that bill as it undermines devolution and allows the UK Government to unilaterally take control of devolved powers. 

“In order to both protect devolution and prepare Scotland’s laws for Brexit we need to proceed with our own Continuity Bill and I look forward to further engagement with parties across the Parliament as we move this process forward.”