Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strength of the Union

Thursday 6 January 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Attorney General prioritizes the Union in her work and highlights CPS Wales's high conviction rate.
  • The Attorney General did not provide specific advice on suspending devolution and emphasizes respecting the devolution settlement.
  • The Attorney General agrees that Westminster must respect Scotland's distinct legal system and the devolution settlement when altering human rights remedies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rob Roberts
Justice & Courts Parliamentary Procedure
Context

None provided, but focuses on recent actions to strengthen the Union.

Question

What recent steps has her Department taken to help strengthen the Union?

Answer from Suella Braverman

As the Attorney General for England and Wales, I have the Union at the heart of my work. CPS Wales performs very well with the highest magistrates court conviction rate across England and Wales according to a recent inspectorate report.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address steps taken specifically to strengthen the Union beyond general statements about good performance in Wales.

How: General Statements

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Q2 Rob Roberts
Wales Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The constituency is close to the border between England and Wales, with many constituents frustrated by inconsistent covid rules. Under devolution settlement provisions, temporary suspensions can occur during crises.

Question

Will the Attorney General confirm whether she gave any advice to the Government on suspending devolution during a national crisis as per the Wales Acts? If not, what would trigger such a clause?

Answer from Suella Braverman

We must respect the arrangements set out in each devolution settlement. While acknowledging confusion at times, no specific advice on suspending devolution is mentioned.

Not addressed: Did not confirm if advice was given or specify what would trigger suspension clauses.

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 Anne McLaughlin SNP
Scotland Standards & Ethics
Context

Amps from Scotland asking about respecting legal systems and human rights protections under devolution settlement.

Question

Does she agree that any actions by Westminster to alter legal human rights remedies must respect Scotland's distinct legal system, and that attempts to do otherwise would be contrary to the devolution settlement?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Law Officers are concerned about legislation falling outside competence. The Supreme Court agreed with the Government earlier this year regarding Bills proposed by the Scottish Government, ultimately wishing for respect of UK-wide decisions despite Scotland's vote to remain part of it.

Not addressed: Did not address whether actions would be contrary to devolution settlement or agree on respecting protections.

How: Criticizing Opposition

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