Tories accused of 'outrageous power grab' over new eco law 'that sidelines Scotland'
dailyrecord.co.ukTory ministers have been accused of an “outrageous power grab” as an explosive row broke out over new environmental rules imposed by Westminster.
The Holyrood government said it was in “urgent talks” with UK counterparts after it emerged Wales and Northern Ireland could get more say over eco laws than Scotland.The move will bolster fears that Rishi Sunak’s government wants to use Brexit to rip up environmental safeguards as well as attack devolution.
Leading green charities warned the changes, passed as amendments last week in the UK’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, could place Holyrood “at the bottom” of a “two-tier system” - behind Cardiff and Belfast.The new legislation will allow Conservative ministers to make their own environmental regulations even in devolved policy areas, or rewrite Holyrood’s.
However, they will need to “obtain the consent of” ministers in Wales and Northern Ireland for any changes - while they only need to “consult” Scottish chiefs, according to the wording of the law.Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer blasted: “To see Westminster now taking aim at Scotland's environment should send shivers down the spine of anyone who cares about our world famous landscapes, iconic wildlife, the cleanliness of the air we breathe, or our climate.
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