Scottish Fishing Sector Warning Over Damaging Power Grab

Scotland’s fishermen have voiced their opposition to a Westminster power grab on responsibilities currently devolved to the Scottish Parliament, in a submission to Holyrood’s Finance and Constitution Committee.

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), a vocal campaigner for a leave vote in the EU referendum, has added its backing to the Scottish Government’s calls for the EU Withdrawal Bill to be amended to protect Scotland’s interests.

In written evidence provided ahead of tomorrow’s committee meeting, the SFF noted “that the Bill’s approach to repatriating powers from the EU requires amendment if it is to respect the devolution settlement and deliver appropriate fisheries management”, raising further specific concerns about the impact of Holyrood’s powers being curtailed by Westminster.

Commenting, Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“It is now abundantly clear that Scotland stands united against Westminster using Brexit as an excuse for a Holyrood power grab.

“Even those who campaigned in favour of leaving the EU see the UK government’s withdrawal bill for what it currently is – a threat to our Scottish Parliament, and the founding principles of devolution which people voted for 20 years ago.

“The SNP’s amendments to the bill – backed by the Labour Welsh government – are put forward in good faith to protect Scotland’s interests and the powers vested at Holyrood since devolution.

“This latest call from Scotland’s fisheries sector underlines just how important it is that Scotland retains these powers.”