'Piggybacking' on UK laws 'undermines Senedd scrutiny'

SENEDD members have warned a continued reliance on UK laws in devolved areas is eroding the Welsh Parliament's crucial role in scrutinising legislation, writes ICNN Senedd Reporter Chris Haines.

- ICNN Senedd Reporter Chris Haines

Labour’s Mike Hedges reiterated concerns about the Welsh Government regularly relying on UK bills to make laws in devolved areas rather than introducing bills in the Senedd.

Mr Hedges, who chairs the cross-party legislation committee, made the comments as Senedd members signalled consent for the UK mental health bill.

‘The Senedd is asked to consent to UK laws, though it is not binding, rather than being able to scrutinise and amend a bill line-by-line as it would with Welsh legislation.

Mr Hedges told the debating chamber: “The committee believes that a democratic deficit is emerging as a result of the government's approach in this area.

“We consider that the use of this bill to make provisions in the area of mental health - which is a devolved policy area - contributes to that unwelcome deficit.”