Brexit: Cairns pledge to devolve EU powers at early stage

UK ministers hope to transfer EU powers over devolved areas such as farming to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland at an early stage after Brexit, Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns has said.

The Great Repeal Bill, published on Wednesday, says Westminster will take control of the functions immediately after Brexit occurs, in a so-called "holding pattern".

But Mr Cairns said the UK Government hoped to transfer certain functions as soon as possible to demonstrate its backing for devolution.