To ask the Scottish Government what its priorities are for improving intergovernmental relations with the United Kingdom Government. (S6O-03550)

Intergovernmental relations have faced significant challenges since the Brexit referendum. The effective powers of the Scottish Parliament have been reduced, and the UK Government has asserted a role in matters for the Scottish Parliament in a way that was not intended by the devolution settlement.

The general election presents an opportunity to reset the relationship, especially if there is a new UK Government that takes a more constructive and respectful approach to relations and devolution. We will be ready to engage following the election, whatever its outcome, to deliver for Scotland, while continuing to resist further encroachment into devolved policy and decision making.

The Institute for Government told the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee:

“the operation of the intergovernmental relations machinery still tends to be quite patchy and dependent on the extent to which individual ministers and secretaries of state prioritise engagement with the devolved bodies.”—[Official Report, Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, 16 March 2023; c 8.]

The Deputy First Minister has outlined some of the challenges that we have had, but we cannot have trust if we do not have the confidence that we can effectively legislate here. Does the Deputy First Minister agree that the best way forward for Scotland to engage would be on an equal footing as an independent nation, in control of our own affairs?

Having been until very recently on the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, which is ably convened by Clare Adamson, I take on board her comments in relation to the Institute for Government’s evidence to the committee. She is absolutely right that engaging as an equal partner is the only way of guaranteeing that the powers of the Parliament are respected, which would certainly be in stark contrast to our experience to date.