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Constitutional Law
19 May 2020
Lead MP
Douglas Ross
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Scotland
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Douglas Ross raised concerns about constitutional law 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 draft order facilitates police officers in Scotland receiving support if they are attacked or threatened. It enables deductions from offenders' benefits to fund the restitution fund for supporting victims of crime, particularly those assaulted by offenders. The order aims to deter such attacks through financial penalties and supports devolution and cooperation between UK and Scottish Governments.
Ian Murray
Lab
Edinburgh South
Supports the draft order but raises concerns about the impact on benefit claimants who may face deductions from their benefits. Questions how the order will ensure affordability for those affected, particularly during a time of high unemployment and increased use of universal credit.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Congratulates Ian Murray on his return to the role of shadow Secretary of State for Scotland. Highlights the importance of section 104 orders and the smooth operation of devolution despite occasional flare-ups between politicians. Emphasises the day-to-day collaboration between UK Government and Scottish Government officials, particularly in ensuring that legislation is enacted appropriately. Praises Police Scotland's work during the coronavirus crisis and commends Chief Constable Iain Livingstone for his approach to policing by consent. Criticises unhelpful suggestions of border patrols and supports the chief constable’s stance against such measures. Highlights the shocking report of 100 officers being attacked or abused in the first few weeks of lockdown, emphasising that abuse and assault are not acceptable. Acknowledges delays in legislation enactment but welcomes the order's implementation. Expresses concerns about Scottish National Party Government's approach to police funding and calls for additional protective measures for police officers.
Kenny MacAskill
SNP
East Lothian
The legislation has taken a considerable period of time to come through, but it is welcomed. It should not be politicised and should be considered south of the border. The genesis of this legislation came from visits to police treatment centres in Auchterarder and Harrogate where officers can receive professional treatment for injuries sustained on duty. This measure provides an opportunity for courts to impose restitution orders that would see tangible benefits for the police service, supporting individual officers and wider services.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Welcomes the opportunity to enable the Act to be fully enacted through this order. Discusses the challenges faced by Police Scotland during the pandemic with no fewer than 100 direct coronavirus-related attacks on our police service. Highlights the increase in reported assaults on police officers over the past five years, with more than 3,000 police officers assaulted between March and September last year. Supports the legislation for restitution orders which will finally be brought forward into law.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Welcomes the legislation for police restitution orders in Scotland, which will allow fines to be paid by those who assault or abuse police officers. The funds raised will support injured officers through non-NHS specialist care. Acknowledges the long-standing issue of assaults on police officers and shares personal experiences of such incidents. Emphasises the importance of supporting police officers during the current pandemic and beyond, highlighting their role in enforcing emergency laws and tackling crime. Expresses disappointment at the seven-year delay since the legislation was initially announced by the Scottish Government. Questions the reasons for this delay and calls for swift implementation.
Douglas Ross
Con
Ochil and South Perthshire
Emphasises the need for quicker implementation of restitution orders, highlighting the Scottish Courts' discretion in imposing fines and benefit deductions based on offenders' means. Acknowledges the cross-border impact and raises concerns about the Department for Work and Pensions’ capacity to manage an increase in applications.
Nigel Evans
Con
Great Yarmouth
Noted Mr Speaker’s provisional determination that a remote division would not take place on the question before the House, thus the debate proceeded without further ado.
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Assessment & feedback
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