Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Scotland Act 1998

Thursday 2 February 2023 · 2 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

  • Patrick Grady asked about recent discussions on the use of section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 with Cabinet colleagues.
  • The Minister stated that section 35 was used carefully and reluctantly to preserve constitutional balance.
  • Patrick Grady questioned why the Government did not publish amendments to make the Gender Recognition Reform Bill acceptable.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland
Context

Discussions on the use of section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 regarding its potential impact on the constitution.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the use of section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998 on the constitution?

Answer from Alex Burghart

Alas, I am a mere junior Minister and I rarely get to talk to my illustrious Cabinet colleagues, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government used section 35 very carefully and very reluctantly, in order to preserve the balance of powers between our countries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues, but no specific discussion was addressed.

How: I Am A Mere Junior Minister And I Rarely Get To Talk To My Illustrious Cabinet Colleagues

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Scotland Women & Equalities
Context

Discussion about the amendments that would make the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill acceptable to the UK Government.

Question

If the Government were so determined to resolve their dispute with the Scottish Government, they would publish the amendments that they say would make the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill acceptable to them. Is not the reality that the Tories are prepared to veto and undermine the elected Scottish Parliament because they never really wanted devolution in the first place?

Answer from Alex Burghart

As the hon. Gentleman knows, section 35 of the Scotland Act is part of our constitution. He will also know that it is now for the Scottish Government to bring forward a Bill that addresses the adverse effects set out in the statement of reasons. Once again, the nationalists do not wish to take responsibility.

Not addressed: The questioner asked about publishing amendments, but the answerer changed the subject entirely.

How: It Is Now For The Scottish Government To Bring Forward A Bill

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