SNP accused of power grab after emergency powers bill approved

MSPs voted in favour of the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill, which proposes changes in 35 specific legislative areas, many of which originated in temporary Scottish and UK Covid legislation.

The reforms include permanent public health protection powers, similar to those which already exist in England and Wales, increased protection for private rented tenants facing evictions, and a temporary extension of some changes in the justice system to help manage the backlog of court cases arising from the pandemic.

Deputy First Minister and Covid Recovery Secretary John Swinney said: “While the vast majority of temporary pandemic measures have already been removed or will expire by the end of September, the passing of this bill maintains those that will ensure we are better prepared for future public health threats, pragmatic reforms that have enabled more efficient or convenient public services, and some temporary changes to mitigate the impact Covid has had on our justice system.

“I am grateful to members and everyone who has participated in the bill process for their feedback, which helped to shape significant amendments that strengthen parliamentary safeguards when it comes to the use of public health protection and educational continuity powers, and support for those experiencing financial difficulties.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said that the “SNP and the Greens have joined together to ride roughshod over parliamentary democracy and ignore the views of the people of Scotland.

“This shameless power grab is an attack on scrutiny and an attempt to remove checks on this centralising government.

“Labour tried to reign in the worst excesses of this bill, so we can focus on the real and important question of how to build back better from Covid – but the SNP-Green government’s single-minded obsession with monopolising power left us with no choice but to vote against this damaging legislation.”

Scottish Conservative Covid recovery spokesperson, Murdo Fraser, accused the SNP of a “blatant power grab” that will give the government “the ability to impose lockdowns and close schools and businesses without parliament’s approval”.

He added: “As we focus on rebuilding public services and the economy post-pandemic, there is no justification for the SNP Government to retain extraordinary powers over courts, schools and universities, which have caused serious concern among those who run them.

“This bill has received the biggest public backlash since devolution – with well over 90 per cent of responses to the public consultation opposing these powers being made permanent.”