A Brexit agreement is still possible between Scottish and UK governments, according to Scottish Secretary David Mundell.
The clock is ticking down with only a fortnight to go before the final stage of the EU Withdrawal Bill is voted on.
Scotland’s Brexit Minister Michael Russell has refused to sign up to clause 11 amendments governing the repatriation of powers including fishing and farming from Brussels post-Brexit – although his Welsh counterpart has agreed.
Mr Russell came to the joint ministerial council negotiations suggesting the UK Government remove the disputed parts of the clause or give Holyrood the final say on frameworks.
After the meeting, Mr Mundell said he remained positive agreement could still be reached before the clock runs out.
He said: “We’re still not in agreement over clause 11 – we are not able to accept a deletion of the clause and we were not able to accept the Scottish Parliament having a veto.
“Time is definitely running out now but I still hope we can go forward on an agreed basis.
“There is still time to reach agreement and I am committed to reaching agreement.”
Mr Russell also said agreement was still possible.
“We continue to look for agreement between the governments but not at any price,” he said.
“The bill can still be amended at third reading in the House of Lords.
“Under the current UK Government proposal, we could see the powers of the Scottish Parliament changed without the consent of parliament for the first time ever.
“The legislation would also give the UK Government the power to prevent the Scottish Parliament from passing legislation in key areas such as farming, fishing and the environment for up to seven years.
“I have made it perfectly clear that the bill must respect the existing devolution settlement and that is why I will continue to try to deliver changes to protect the principles of devolution.”