Queen’s Speech raises fears over ‘no deal’ Brexit

UK Government legislation puts the prospect of a damaging ‘no deal’ Brexit more firmly back on the table, the Scottish Government has warned.

The Queen’s Speech made clear the UK Government intends to bring forward legislation to ensure there can be no extension to the implementation period beyond 2020, even if no future partnership has been agreed.

According to Scottish Government analysis, the country’s economy would suffer significant damage under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal.

A ‘no deal’ outcome would cause even more damage with profound consequences for jobs, investment and living standards.

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations Michael Russell said:

“Once again the prospect of a disastrous ‘no deal’ Brexit is looming for Scotland if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal.

“The decision to remove Scotland from the European Union, which ignores the will of the Scottish people, is the most serious example of the democratic deficit in our post-devolution relationship with the UK Government.

“A 'no deal’ Brexit would further and seriously compound the harmful effects of this decision and have a very damaging effect on our economy.”

Background

Read the Queen’s Speech.

In accordance with the Scotland Act 1998, the UK Parliament does not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters in Scotland without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.

The formal consent of the Scottish Parliament is required in relation to all proposals for Westminster primary legislation with regard to devolved matters, including the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

The UK Bills which the Scottish Government currently expect may give rise to the legislative consent procedure in the Scottish Parliament are:

Agriculture Bill

Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Bill

Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill

Broadband legislation

Building Safety Bill

Counter Terrorism (Sentencing and Release) Bill

Domestic Abuse Bill

Environment Bill

European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill

Fisheries Bill

Immigration and Social Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill

Private International Law (Implementation of Agreements) Bill

Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Bill

Trade Bill