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Scottish Law Officers (Devolution)
10 January 2024
Lead MP
Joanna Cherry
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationScotland
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Joanna Cherry raised concerns about scottish law officers (devolution) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh Central
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.
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