Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has refused to rule out reducing the Scottish Parliament’s powers if her party returns to government.
Speaking in Edinburgh on 15 October, Badenoch confirmed that devolution is “not a yes or no question,” and although there is no review planned, she sees it as “a process” and “not a religion.”
Her comments follow reports that senior Conservatives are considering reviewing the Scotland Act, potentially transferring powers from Holyrood back to Westminster.
This suggests a move away from the so-called ‘devolve and forget’ approach of previous Conservative leaders.
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, responded by promising he will take “every opportunity” to challenge threats to Holyrood’s powers, including potential legal action.
Under the Scotland Act 1998, Holyrood controls devolved areas including health, education, housing and some aspects of taxation, while Westminster remains in control of areas such as defence and immigration.
One potential dispute is nuclear energy, with Andrew Bowie, the Shadow Energy Secretary, telling the Conservative conference that despite the SNP using devolved planning laws to deny nuclear energy developments, he plans to “legislate to get it done.”
Any reduction in Holyrood’s powers would require legislative change in Westminster, and would potentially prompt serious constitutional and legal disputes.
Badenoch’s remarks have prompted concern amongst Edinburgh students.
One student described the prospect as “shocking,” and that “Scotland should have more powers, not less.”
Another student commented: “Why does she want more control over Scotland, when we have fought so hard to have some autonomy?”
Photo by Ben Marler on Unsplash.
