Union Capability: Dunlop Review

Lord Empey Excerpts

Thursday 19th November 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, the Prime Minister told the House of Commons:

“I think what has unquestionably been a disaster is the way in which the Scottish nationalist party has taken and used devolution as a means not to improve the lives of its constituents, not to address their health concerns or to improve education in Scotland, but… constantly to campaign for the break-up of our country”.—[Official Report, Commons, 18/11/20; col. 315.]


I agree with him.

[Lord Empey (UUP) [V]]

My Lords, on 10 November in Grand Committee, introducing the Common Rules for Exports (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, the noble Lord, Lord Grimstone, said that the EU Commission

“will exercise these powers in Northern Ireland.”—[Official Report, 10/11/20; col. GC 421.]

Can my noble friend explain how allowing a foreign power to exercise executive authority in a part of the United Kingdom is consistent with the Government’s commitment to taking back control and to the maintenance of the union?

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, I have not seen my noble friend Lord Grimstone’s remarks in context, so I will respond to the noble Lord by letter.