House of Commons · General Debate
10 January 2024 · 1 other contributor
Opened by Joanna Cherry SNP Edinburgh Central
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Joanna Cherry raised concerns about scottish law officers (devolution) 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
Ms Cherry moved that leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the Scotland Act 1998, emphasising her intention to separate the roles of the Lord Advocate into two distinct functions: one as head of the prosecution service and another as Minister and chief legal adviser. She pointed out current reservations in the act preventing the Scottish Parliament from amending these roles and stressed that reform is overdue, supported by cross-party backing.
Ms Cherry argued for the necessity of her Bill to address historical issues in the role of the Lord Advocate, including potential conflicts of interest and perceptions thereof. She highlighted that criminal and civil justice are devolved matters and advocated for Scotland’s Parliament to decide on reforming the Law Officers’ roles, supported by expert research commissioned by the Scottish Government.