Tory MSP raises fears emergency laws could remain place after Covid-19 outbreak
There is nothing “sinister” or “malicious” in the removal of “emergency period” references from coronavirus legislation, Cabinet Secretary Mike Russell said.
Mike Russell
Constitution Secretary to call for Brexit extension in UK Government talks
A two-year extension to the Brexit transition period must be agreed to avoid further damaging the virus-hit economy, Scotland’s Constitution Secretary will tell UK Government ministers.
Push for Scotland to have formal role in UK trade talks
Constitution Secretary Mike Russell has called for the role of the devolved administrations in trade talks to be enshrined in law.
New coronavirus legislation to introduce notice periods for student halls
Students who cannot take up places in purpose-built accommodation due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be able to end their lease under new legislation.
Alcohol licensing restrictions could be relaxed during coronavirus crisis
Discussions are taking place in the Scottish Government about a possible relaxation of alcohol licensing restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.
Brexit Secretary reveals he has not held talks with UK ministers for six weeks
Scotland’s Brexit Secretary has not spoken to UK Government ministers about key talks concerning the country’s departure from the EU for six weeks, MSPs have been told.
New coronavirus legislation to be brought forward by Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is to bring forward further legislation to help deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Emergency coronavirus Bill given royal assent in just five days
Emergency coronavirus legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament has been given royal assent in just five days.
Scottish Parliament must not shut down during pandemic – Mike Russell
The Scottish Parliament “has to continue to operate” during the coronavirus pandemic, Scotland’s Constitution Secretary has said.
Scottish Government supports coronavirus committee to oversee crisis response
The Scottish Government has announced it supports the creation of an emergency Scottish Parliament committee to oversee the response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Emergency coronavirus Bill passes Holyrood
MSPs have voted to pass the Scottish Government’s emergency legislation on coronavirus.
Coronavirus Bill passes stage one at Holyrood as no-jury trial plans dropped
The Scottish Government’s emergency coronavirus Bill has passed the first stage of parliamentary scrutiny after plans to suspend jury trials were dropped.
Holyrood to vote on emergency Covid-19 legislation
MSPs are expected to pass emergency legislation to tackle coronavirus in a rare one-day sitting on Wednesday.
Coronavirus legislation published by Scottish Government
The Scottish Government has published legislation aimed at tackling Covid-19.
Coronavirus deaths in Scotland up to 60 as number of cases rises by 430
The number of coronavirus deaths in Scotland has increased by 13, the First Minister has announced.
Scottish prisoners could be released from jails early under ‘last resort’ coronavirus emergency powers
Mike Russell: Scottish Parliament consensus essential for Coronavirus Bill
Cross-party consensus in the Scottish Parliament has been “essential” in creating planned new emergency legislation to help the country deal with the coronavirus pandemic, according to Mike Russell.
Holyrood to give consent for Westminster coronavirus measures
MSPs are to vote on UK-wide legislation to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Police Scotland ‘temporarily suspends non-essential training’ amid pandemic
Police Scotland has “temporarily suspended non-essential training” in a bid to support communities amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Bill achieved after ‘tireless’ cross-Government collaboration
Scotland’s Constitutional Relations Secretary has praised the level of cross-Government collaboration in creating emergency legislation to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
Planning for IndyRef2 in 2020 postponed due to coronavirus
A Scottish independence referendum will not be held in 2020, after the Government postponed its planning for another vote due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Constitution Secretary welcomes measures in UK coronavirus Bill
Constitution Secretary Mike Russell has welcomed the announcement of measures in the UK Government’s forthcoming coronavirus Bill.
Devolved administrations demand greater say in Brexit talks
The UK Government has been urged to implement a “meaningful, comprehensive and transparent process” for the devolved administrations to influence Brexit talks.
Second Scottish minister to step down at next election
A second Scottish Government minister has announced plans to step down at next year’s election.
Fishing chief urges end to politicians’ ‘squabbling’
Politicians should stop bickering over constitutional issues and get on with protecting the fishing industry, according to a fishing boss.