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Unnamed bill under discussion - Clause 16 and new clauses/amendments related to it
14 March 2022
Lead MP
Paul Scully
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Paul Scully raised concerns about unnamed bill under discussion - clause 16 and new clauses/amendments related to it 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
The speaker opened the debate on Clause 16 but did not provide a detailed argument for or against the clause in the given text.
Eleanor Laing
Con
Richmond Park
Proposes new clauses and amendments to Clause 16, emphasising that the Secretary of State or Lord Chancellor should be the appropriate national authority for regulations impacting England only or the whole UK. She also calls for a list of regulators, guidance on mutual recognition, and consent from devolved authorities before making regulations.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Supports Plaid Cymru’s new clause 5 requiring the Secretary of State or Lord Chancellor to obtain consent from devolved Governments before acting in areas of devolved competence. Argues that it is necessary for respecting the devolution settlement and maintaining trust between UK governments.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Supports amendment 3 to ensure representatives from each of the devolved nations on the board of the assistance centre. Emphasises that the Bill undermines devolution and could erode powers in Scotland and Wales, leading to a lack of trust between governments.
Owen Thompson
SNP
North East Fife
Mr Owen Thompson expresses concern over clause 16 and its implications on the UK constitution. He argues that the lack of respect for devolved authorities in drafting this amendment, without seeking consent from devolved Parliaments, is unprecedented since major EU exit legislation. He raises issues with the Government's stance towards international agreements and treaty obligations, suggesting it is nonsensical to argue Scottish Ministers might undermine these frameworks despite existing legal requirements binding them. Thompson supports a new clause requiring UK Ministers to seek devolved consents before acting in areas of competence, advocating for measures that respect the Sewel convention.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Mr Sammy Wilson questions why there is now sudden concern about devolution rights when previously international agreements under EU jurisdiction were uncontroversial. He also inquires into the point Mr Thompson is making regarding independence for devolved governments, expressing confusion over the logic behind seeking greater autonomy while adhering to binding international obligations.
Mr Stewart Hosie underscores the principle at stake in this debate. He argues that by prioritising administrative utility over devolved democratic considerations, as enshrined in Scotland Act legislation, the Government is disregarding important constitutional norms.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Mr. Esterson expresses concerns about the chaotic introduction of the Bill, criticising the lack of clarity on which professions are in scope and the inconsistency in regulator lists provided to them. He emphasises that regulators need certainty for their operations, and hence proposes maintaining a public list of affected entities. Additionally, he raises doubts over the effectiveness of provisions based on previous international agreements and introduces new clause 4 aiming at better utilisation of such provisions by providing necessary guidance to regulators.
Paul Scully
Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
The Minister supports new clause 2, emphasising the necessity of concurrent powers for effective UK-wide regulation in devolved competence areas. He assures that the Government will consult extensively with devolved Administrations and maintain legislative consent requirements to address concerns about overreach.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Supports the improvements made by new clause 2, emphasising the need for robust regime to ensure effective professional recognition and mutual agreements that support the economy. He highlights the importance of certainty in who is covered under the Bill's provisions.
Owen Thompson
SNP
Midlothian
Opposes the Bill due to lack of recognition for genuine concerns from devolved Parliaments, asserting that assurances and promises are insufficient. He believes this undermines the principles of devolution.
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