Debates between Alistair Carmichael and Christopher Chope during the 2010-2015 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alistair Carmichael and Christopher Chope
Wednesday 25th February 2015

(9 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Christopher Chope Portrait Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)
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7. What public consultation his Department is carrying out in Scotland on the draft clauses published following the recommendations of the Smith commission.

Alistair Carmichael Portrait The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Alistair Carmichael)
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The Scotland Office is holding a series of events across Scotland to enable stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft clauses and how the new powers might be used. I can announce to the House today that the Government will now begin a public information campaign to enable people in Scotland to learn more about the devolution settlement and how it is changing. [Interruption.] This campaign will use social media, local media and an information booklet for every house in Scotland. [Interruption.]

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. There is a lot of noise in the Chamber. The House and perhaps the nation should hear Mr Christopher Chope.

Christopher Chope Portrait Mr Chope
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The nation would be interested to know that draft clause 1 has been widely condemned as legally vacuous. What is the Secretary of State going to do to ensure that the people of Scotland realise that it is legally vacuous and that if they support it, they will be supporting a meaningless constitutional proposal?

Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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I absolutely refute that suggestion and the hon. Gentleman’s characterisation of that analysis as being widespread.

Smith Commission

Debate between Alistair Carmichael and Christopher Chope
Thursday 27th November 2014

(10 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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Today’s publication and the agreement we have offer us a range of opportunities in Scotland. In particular, we can do the things for the Scottish economy that will produce the growth that will expand that tax base. The important point is that, having made this decision, we should get on and implement it and then start using the powers, rather than constantly talking about our constitutional position.

Christopher Chope Portrait Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)
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How does today’s report fit in with the promise made by the Prime Minister on 19 September that any change giving more devolution in Scotland would go in tandem with, and at the same pace as, changes in the rest of the United Kingdom?

Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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No. I have to contradict my hon. Friend. It has been made perfectly clear all along, and the Prime Minister himself has said, that the change that was promised to Scotland will go ahead according to the timetable that was given to the people of Scotland. It is not contingent on other changes.