MSPs disappointed that Jack ‘misunderstood’ request to discuss deposit scheme

The Scottish Secretary “misunderstood” a request to give evidence on a delayed deposit return scheme and its impact on intergovernmental relations, a Holyrood committee has said.

Alister Jack declined an invitation from the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee for the second time to discuss the controversial topic.

In his letter to committee convener Edward Mountain dated September 28, Mr Jack said it was for Scottish Government ministers to answer questions on devolved policy areas and the readiness of the scheme.

Scotland’s deposit return scheme (DRS) was delayed twice before being pushed back until at least October 2025, to coincide with the UK Government’s policy.

The delay came after the UK Government announced it would only agree a temporary exclusion to the 2020 Internal Market Act if the Scottish scheme excused glass, in line with UK-wide plans.

In his response to the Scottish Secretary, Mr Mountain said the committee was “disappointed” the invitation “appears to have been misunderstood”, as he emphasised adequate scrutiny was being given to Greens MSP Lorna Slater, the minister responsible for the DRS.

He said: “We appreciate that the interaction of the 2020 Act with devolved powers is a new, complex and developing area for devolved parliaments to have to grapple with, and we want to better understand the factors that are in play.

“We can only do so by hearing from both Governments.”

The letter also told the Scottish Secretary that intergovernmental relations in relation to the DRS are “worthy of further scrutiny”.

Mr Mountain added: “As a committee, we unanimously agreed it was imperative to ensure the UK Government had an opportunity to explain its role, rather than relying solely on the testimony of the Scottish Government.

“It would therefore be appreciated if the UK Government could make time to appear before the committee to allow it to understand precisely what has led to the current state of affairs, and how things will progress from this point to ensure no further negative impact.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “We welcome the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee interest in the Scottish Government’s paused Deposit Return Scheme – and about how a UK-wide DRS could work in practice.

“We continue to work with the Scottish Government, and the other devolved administrations, to develop an approach to making DRS (schemes) across the UK interoperable. We will update stakeholders, including the committee, as plans develop.

“The UK Government remains unwavering in its commitment to improving the environment, while also upholding the UK’s internal market. The Scottish Government paused its DRS so that it starts at the same time as the UK Government’s scheme.

“Schemes need to be interoperable across the whole of the UK, to provide a simple and effective system for businesses and consumers.”