Scotland’s Constitution Secretary has sharply criticised the UK Government’s findings in its statutory review of the Internal Market Act, calling the conclusions “completely unacceptable” and a continued threat to devolution.
Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, said the Act was imposed without the consent of any devolved government or parliament, and continues to undermine the Scottish Parliament’s ability to govern effectively.
He said the legislation introduces deep uncertainty into how Scottish laws operate and grants what is effectively a UK ministerial veto over devolved decisions.
Mr Robertson made clear that nothing in the UK Government’s latest review changes that fundamental issue.
He reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s long-standing position that the Internal Market Act should be repealed and replaced.
The review, he said, falls short not only of that aim but of even modest legislative reforms that might reduce the damage caused by the Act’s operation.
Twice, the Scottish Parliament has voted to repeal the legislation, with members arguing that it is incompatible with the devolution settlement and represents a serious constitutional overreach.
Mr Robertson acknowledged that the UK Government had expressed willingness to make improvements to the process that allows exclusions from the Act’s rules an area of particular concern to Scottish ministers.
But he added that there remains no clear plan to put these changes into law or ensure they have real effect.
Without that, he warned, the Act will continue to frustrate Scottish ambitions to grow the economy, protect jobs, and support trade that works for all nations of the UK.
The Internal Market Act, passed by Westminster in 2020, was intended to ensure smooth trade between the four UK nations post-Brexit.
But it has faced heavy criticism from devolved administrations, who say it overrides their ability to tailor policies to local needs and priorities.
The Scottish Government has repeatedly said the legislation runs counter to the principles of mutual respect and shared governance, calling it a step backwards for democracy in Scotland.
As debate continues over the future of UK-wide governance, this latest response makes clear that tensions remain unresolved and the Scottish Government’s demand for greater constitutional protections is far from over.
