Scottish and UK governments face off in Supreme Court over Continuity Bill

Brexit minister Michael Russell said Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC would be arguing in court that “it is within the powers of the Scottish Parliament to prepare for the consequences for devolved matters of UK withdrawal from the European Union”.

But Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC MP said the bill risks creating “serious legal uncertainty for individuals and businesses as we leave the EU”.

He added: “This reference is a protective measure which we are taking in the public interest.

“The government very much hopes this issue will be resolved without the need to continue with this litigation.”

Mr Russell, however, said: “Our Continuity Bill is an important and necessary piece of legislation to prepare Scotland’s laws for Brexit while protecting the powers of the Scottish Parliament that people voted for.

“The Scottish government has made clear it cannot recommend the Scottish Parliament consent to the Withdrawal Bill in its current form.

“Alongside the Welsh government, we have always said our preference would be to reach an agreement with the UK Government to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill to respect the powers of the devolved administrations and both Governments are ready to continue meaningful talks to further discuss potential solutions.”

Photo credit: UK Supreme Court