Scotland Act 1998: Section 35 Power Debate

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Department: Scotland Office
Tuesday 17th January 2023

(1 year, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alister Jack Portrait Mr Jack
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Well, it is. It is also about protecting the devolution settlement and two UK-wide Acts.

Alison Thewliss Portrait Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP)
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I have been contacted by Mackenzie, an inspirational woman I met recently in my constituency. She says:

“I did not choose to be trans. I did not choose to have my rights taken away, and I certainly did not choose to have my life up for debate from people who don’t even know or empathise with my community.”

Can the Secretary of State tell me why, in the absence of the UK doing anything whatsoever about improving trans rights, he is standing in the way of the Scottish Government making progress?

Alister Jack Portrait Mr Jack
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First of all, of course we respect and support the trans community. If the hon. Lady wants to raise specific issues, the Minister for Women and Equalities is very happy to have a meeting with her.