KATE Forbes will call on the UK Government to repeal the Internal Market Act today.
The legislation, which is designed to ensure smooth trade within the UK post-Brexit was labelled “antagonistic to devolution” in a report last year as it diminishes the authority of governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Last year, the UK Government did not grant the Scottish Government an exemption to the act for a ban on the sale of glue traps.
The change was passed in the Government’s Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill earlier this month, but Scottish ministers were forced to ask for an exemption to the IMA to allow the move to be finalised.
An exemption from the act was also needed for the Scottish Government's Deposit Return Scheme to come into force, but Westminster leaders refused to grant one which covered glass containers, saying that the scheme would put Scottish consumers at a disadvantage compared to others in the UK.
Holyrood ministers then said omitting glass meant the recycling initiative would not be viable and the plan was put on hold.
Previously, in October 2023, MSPs voted for the Act to be repealed – but that vote was ignored by the previous UK Government.
The current UK Government has now launched a review of the Act but has also said it, too, will not consider repeal.
The Deputy First Minister said it was “baffling” that the new UK Government has explicitly ruled it out before it begins the review process and consultation.
“Neither the scope nor terms of reference of the review acknowledge the longstanding position of the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament to repeal the IMA,” she said.
“We still face the prospect of laws passed in this parliament being nullified at the stroke of a pen by the UK Government. The very existence of such a risk diminishes the powers of this parliament.
Forbes added: “This, therefore, is a key test for the new UK Government to show whether it intends to continue to ignore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament.”
“Today is an opportunity for the Parliament to send a clear message to Westminster that it must change course by repealing the Internal Market Act and that the era of undermining Scottish democracy must come to an end.”
