The Alien Act was passed to prevent the inconveniences that would occur hastily if these two Kingdoms were not to become one Union.

It also included an embargo on the import of Scottish products into England and English colonies – about half of Scotland's trade, covering goods such as linen, cattle and coal.

[3] There was also an embargo on the export of arms, ammunition, and horses to Scotland so that they could not raise an army and invade England.

[4] The Act contained a provision that it would be suspended if the Scots entered into negotiations regarding a proposed union of the parliaments of Scotland and England.

[6] In late December, news that both the Commons and the Lords had agreed to repeal the act reached the north.