House of Commons · General Debate
02 March 2020 · 11 other contributors
Opened by Patrick Grady SNP Glasgow North
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Patrick Grady raised concerns about scottish affairs committee in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Mr. Grady thanked the hon. Member for North Herefordshire and expressed disappointment about the proposed composition of the Scottish Affairs Committee, noting it does not reflect Scotland's political reality after the SNP increased their share of seats in December’s election.
Mr. Wishart thanked Mr. Grady for his kind words and noted that the Committee's effectiveness comes from reflecting Scotland's political landscape.
Ms. Brock agreed with Mr. Grady's comments, emphasising the Committee's effectiveness and suggesting the Government's approach stems from nervousness about SNP representation.
Mr. Hendry pointed out that the proposed make-up of the Committee does not reflect Scotland’s recent electoral outcome, noting a significant increase in SNP seats and a decrease in Conservative seats.
Mr. Doogan expressed concern that the Government's proposal reflects an attempt to deny recent electoral gains by the SNP, questioning whether it respects Scotland’s electorate.
Ms. Monaghan questioned if non-Scottish members proposed for the Committee have a specific interest in Scottish affairs over the past few years of Parliament.
He argues that there is no Scottish National party Members nominated to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee or the Education Committee. He questions the rationale of denying representation in Committees that discuss issues transcending borders within the Union framework.
She supports her colleague's argument, highlighting her own experience serving on the Communities and Local Government Committee between 2015 and 2017. She criticises a form of Unionism that would deny Scottish MPs from participating in these Committees.
He reinforces the point made by his colleague regarding the importance of representation for Scottish MPs across various Select Committees.
He addresses the issue of English Members being on the Scottish Affairs Committee, clarifying that the focus is not on this but rather the challenges faced by Scottish MPs in representing their constituents effectively due to geographical constraints.
He reminds Members to direct comments through him and warns against personal debates.
He reaffirms his respect for the Speaker's guidance. He praises the current chairman of the Scottish Affairs Committee for producing largely consensual reports on important topics since 2015 and contrasts this with previous partisan bashing by the committee. He criticises the Government for cutting out Members from Scotland through EVEL procedures, refusing to listen to legislative consent from the Scottish Parliament, and hijacking the Scottish Affairs Committee.