Constitution and Home Affairs

Debate between Angus Robertson and Jack Straw

Monday 7th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP)]

Will the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw) allow me to deal with that point?

[Mr Straw]

indicated assent.

[Angus Robertson]

On that point, can we—

--- Later in debate ---

[Angus Robertson]

Please can we never again hear this comparison with the situation in the Scottish Parliament on this point, because it is totally spurious? The 66% threshold is required for the immediate dissolution of the Scottish Parliament, but 50% remains the threshold for a confidence vote, as it should remain in this House.

[Mr Straw]

I should also tell hon. Members that if they were to read section 3 of the 1998 Act, they would find that if, for example, the First Minister is voted out by a simple majority and after 28 days no new First Minister has been voted in, an election has to take place. That is done by a simple majority, so the only effect of this provision is to delay matters by requirements relating to a simple majority and 28 days. There is no parallel, whatsoever, in these arrangements, and the hon. Member for Wyre and Preston North knows it.