The UK government has today tabled amendments to the clauses in the EU withdrawal bill relating to devolution. The fact that these amendments have been tabled is recognition on the part of the UK government that its original approach was deeply flawed.

None the less I must be clear at the outset that, whilst we welcome that recognition, the amendments tabled today have not been agreed with the Scottish and Welsh governments and are not supported by us.

The amendments replace the previous blanket reservation of devolved areas which are subject to retained EU law, with a power for the UK government to make regulations in the UK parliament imposing such a restriction in any such devolved areas. In exercising this power the UK government would only be under a duty to consult the devolved administrations and provide information to the UK parliament on the effect of the regulations and that consultation. There would be no need for such changes to be agreed by the devolved parliaments or governments.