An expert report calls for Scotland to regain environmental powers lost post-Brexit, highlighting issues with Westminster’s Internal Market Act.
Edinburgh: Scotland is facing a real challenge after Brexit. An expert report says the new rules are messing with Holyrood’s powers. It’s a big deal for the environment.
The Scottish Environment LINK group is not happy with Westminster’s Internal Market Act. They call it a power grab. This law aims to unify trade rules across the UK, but it’s causing problems.
For example, Scotland wanted to start its own bottle recycling scheme. But Tory ministers blocked it. This isn’t just about recycling; it affects other areas too, like health policies and even dog sales.
Deborah Long from Scottish Environment LINK says devolution was meant to let each nation find local solutions. But now, it feels like progress has stalled. If changes aren’t made, we could be stuck in limbo.
James Mackenzie, who wrote the report, points out that devolution was celebrated. But now, it seems like those powers are being undermined, and many people don’t even realize it.
Kat Jones from Action to Protect Rural Scotland adds that they fought for a simple recycling system for ten years. Just when they were ready, UK ministers pulled the plug. It’s frustrating to see all that effort wasted.
Recently, the new UK Labour government said they’d review the Internal Market Act. They promise to work closely with the devolved nations. Let’s hope they mean it.
