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That is right. We want clarification as to why the delay will negatively impact on the trade relations. We need to have that clarified.

I hope that that provides some clarity. As I said, one of the questions that we are going to ask is why this has happened. It is not clear whether the trade deals specify a timeframe, so we do not know what the pressure is to bring the SI in at such short notice.

As there are no further questions or comments, is the committee content for the provisions that are set out in the notification to be included in the proposed UK SI? If members are not satisfied, they should type the letter N in the chat function.

We are content.

Finally, is the committee content to delegate to me authority to sign off a letter to the Scottish Government, informing it of our decision today? I intend to set out in my letter strong concerns about the lack of available time for meaningful scrutiny and the breach of the protocol. I will copy the letter to the convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee for her information. I will also highlight the concerns relating to the withdrawn SI.

The reason for the letter is, once again, to highlight the committee’s concern that we will have no opportunity to look at the proposed SI before it is laid, on 1 January.

I absolutely take that on board.

That concludes the public part of today’s business.

We certainly can do that. If it would help, we can also write to the UK Government with the same question. Ultimately, however, the Scottish Government notified us for us to consent to it giving consent to the UK instrument. That is my understanding. However, we can certainly write to the UK Government if that would help.

If you look at page 7 of our papers, that gives you the details. It is the SI that has been laid—it is the final draft, if you like.

Yes. This agenda item is about approving the notification that is referred to in paper 2.

Are there any further comments?

I will ask Emma Johnston whether she has the date of when they come into force.

We can check that out. The notification was sent to the Scottish Parliament on 7 December, with the intended laying date at Westminster of 16 December, which is tomorrow. The Scottish Parliament has therefore been given fewer than 28 days for scrutiny. We can clarify that for you, Rachael.

I will go to Alasdair Allan. Alasdair, are you with us?