The Scottish Government’s plans to introduce a cap on some food items could be a “test” of the new relationship between the Scottish and UK governments, Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth has said.
John Swinney announced ahead of May’s election that he would legislate to cap the price of some household staples in a bid to stem the rising cost of living.
But the policy was met with hostility from the retail sector, with some suggestions the UK Government could seek to block the idea by using the Internal Market Act.
I think there's an opportunity here for Mr Burnham and his new leadership approach to recognise the Scottish Parliament's locus in these issues
According to Ms Gilruth – who appeared before a Holyrood committee on Tuesday – Prime Minister Andy Burnham had given an assurance to the First Minister that he would not “override” the Scottish Parliament.
“He wants to work with the Scottish Parliament and, therefore, I suppose this is a test of that intent in relation to the wider issue around about the use of the Internal Market Act and how it’s been used previously,” she told the committee.
“I think there’s an opportunity here for Mr Burnham and his new leadership approach to recognise the Scottish Parliament’s locus in these issues.
“Again, I don’t want to prejudge the outcome of that consultation period and we certainly don’t want to have a constitutional debate over this.
“This, ultimately, is about making life easier for our constituents at the end of the day who are really struggling just now with high costs, whether that be in relation to food or energy prices.”