Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
Post EU-exit policy and UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) Act 2020 - response from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands
Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, to the Convener, 11 January 2022
Dear Finlay,
Thank you for your letter of 25 November 2021 relating to the impact of EU Exit on the RAI remit.
I note that much of the letter refers to matters of alignment and the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021, which are for my colleague, the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, to address. I can assure you that Ministers are committed to working with Parliament to help consider scrutiny, and are considering your committee’s helpful representations on our approach toward the Continuity Act power. The Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture will respond in due course.
I note that you have also asked which policy areas within the RAI remit intend to maintain – or not – regulatory alignment. Scotland’s commitment to remain close to the EU means Scotland will continue to align with the EU where appropriate, and in a manner that contributes towards protecting and advancing standards across a range of policy areas. You also mention concerns about the Subsidy Control Bill LCM and issues relating to border controls and extensions to the transitional staging periods. I look forward to discussing these issues with the RAINE Committee on Wednesday 12th January.
Yours sincerely,
Mairi Gougeon