Union with Scotland

Lord Mackay of Clashfern Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2020 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

Let us see what comes out of the reviews that I have mentioned. The noble Lord will be aware that on 1 January 2021, we will see the single biggest transfer of powers to the devolved Administrations in history, as the EU structures fall away and new powers transfer to the Administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It comes back to this balance, and the importance of ensuring that the nations know that they are better off together.

[Lord Mackay of Clashfern (Con) [V]]

My Lords, what can the Government do to reduce the tensions with the devolved Administrations when legislating for an internal market?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

We want to engage with the devolved Administrations on the UK internal market in order to manage the potential for market divergence and deliver a shared solution. We have a well-established government structure with the devolved Administrations to ensure collaboration on these policy issues, including the Joint Ministerial Committees and bilateral agreements.