UK emergency bill to support wider efforts to tackle coronavirus
Mr Russell responds to UK Government paper outlining measures contained in forthcoming Coronavirus Bill.
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, Europe and External Affairs Michael Russell has responded to a paper published by the UK Government outlining measures to be contained in the forthcoming Coronavirus Bill at Westminster.
Mr Russell said: “This bill is the result of intensive work between the UK Government and the devolved administrations and is necessary because of the unprecedented public health and economic challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
“The measures it contains cover a range of topics and sectors, including bespoke provisions for Scotland. Combined with measures already being taken by the Scottish Government and our partners, it will help ensure our health and social care services remain effectively resourced, protect people and assist in slowing the spread of coronavirus.
“In addition to the immediate priority of assisting our health and social care services, the bill also contains provisions relating to statutory sick pay which are aimed at ensuring that the economic impact on small businesses and individuals is lessened.”
“I should emphasise that creating additional, time-limited powers through this bill does not mean that all of them will be used. Decisions will be taken at the appropriate time, based on the situation in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.”
The paper, What the Coronavirus Bill Will Do, can be read on the UK Government website.
The Scottish Government is engaging with the Scottish Parliament on timescales for the parliamentary process, which it is anticipated will see the tabling of a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) to be voted on by MSPs.
The proposed legislation will contain provisions on both reserved and devolved matters. Following introduction of the UK Coronavirus Bill this week, Constitution Secretary Michael Russell will make a statement in the Scottish Parliament.