THE SNP have called on the Labour Government to scrap the Internal Market Act (IMA).
It comes as the party suggest that Boris Johnson acknowledged in his new book "Unleashed" that the legislation was designed to "undermine devolution".
The IMA, which was created in theory to ensure smooth trade within the UK post-Brexit, has been widely criticised by pro-independence parties since its implementation in 2020.
Earlier this year, the UK Government did not grant the Scottish Government an exemption to the act for a ban on the sale of glue traps, for example.
Meanwhile, Westminster leaders also refused to grant an exemption for the Scottish Government's Deposit Return Scheme – which covered glass containers – saying that the scheme would put Scottish consumers at a disadvantage compared to others in the UK.
Holyrood ministers then said omitting glass meant the recycling initiative would not be viable and the plan was then put on hold, with both the SNP and Scottish Greens hitting out at the UK Government as a result.
In his book, then prime minister Johnson said the IMA did “exactly what we needed”.
“Under the leadership of Theresa May we had decided, slightly bonelessly, that a lot of EU powers and responsibilities would be handed straight down to the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – without seeing that this would risk the break-up of the UK’s own internal market,” Johnson said.
He added that due to this, there was a “risk” that the devolved administrations could suddenly “do their own thing” on the likes of food safety.
The IMA corrected this, said Johnson (below).
“It asserted the logic … that the UK is one indivisible economic unit.”
Labour previously opposed the act when in opposition and, now in government, have pledged to reset the relationship between Westminster, Holyrood, the Senedd and Stormont.
SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “Despite refusing consent to legislation such as the Internal Market Act, the UK government passed it anyway. Boris Johnson has confirmed what the SNP said all along - this act was deliberately introduced to undermine devolution.”
He added: "Labour opposed the Bill in opposition and if they do not want to be tied to Boris Johnson's disastrous legacy they must urgently scrap it.
“So far it appears that principles or values belonging to the Labour Party are long gone – as is clear from their commitment to Tory fiscal rules, leading to decisions such as cutting the Winter Fuel Payment – and that includes any respect for Scottish democracy.
“As long as the Internal Market Act is in force, Scottish democracy will be undermined."
The UK Government has been approached for comment.
