Secretary of State for Scotland and MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale an Tweeddale says the Queen's Speech can bring the United Kingdom closer together as negotiations continue to leave the European Union.
“This Queen’s Speech is about bringing our United Kingdom closer together and fully grasping the opportunities ahead for the whole country as we leave the EU.
“The UK Government’s legislative programme will help keep our country safe, enhance our standing in the world and make a success of our exit - as a first step repatriating into UK law powers currently held in Brussels, and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for our farming and fishing industries.
“We will consult and listen, working with Parliament, businesses, the devolved administrations and others to ensure a smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU.
“We will bring powers back in a way that works best for Scotland and the rest of the UK. There will undoubtedly be more decision-making powers coming to Holyrood, and I look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government on this.”
Of the 24 bills and draft bills in the Queen’s Speech, 19 apply in whole or in part to Scotland. Further detail below.
Bills/draft bills which apply in full or part to Scotland:
· Repeal Bill
· Customs Bill
· Trade Bill
· Immigration Bill
· Fisheries Bill
· Agriculture Bill
· Nuclear Safeguards Bill
· International Sanctions Bill
· Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill
· Space Industry Bill
· Smart Meter Bill
· National Insurance Contributions Bill
· Travel Protection Bill
· Financial Guidance and Claims Bill
· Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Bill
· Data Protection Bill
· European Union (Approvals) Bill
· Courts Bill
· High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill (technically applies to Scotland but concerns the Fradley-Crewe route)
Bills/draft bills which do not apply to Scotland:
· Draft Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill
· Draft Patient Safety Bill
· Draft Tenants’ Fees Bill
· Civil Liability Bill
· Goods Mortgages Bill
In addition the programme will include three UK Finance Bills to implement budget policy decisions.