Scotland Bill

Debate between Angus Robertson and Wayne David

Monday 15th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David]

We shall not be pressing any of our amendments to a vote. I note that the Secretary of State has said that he is not convinced “at this stage”, and I take that to mean that he is open to persuasion and willing to listen. I hope he will be persuaded by arguments that will be put to him in the other place, and, indeed, by Members of the Scottish Parliament, which he will visit shortly.

There is something of a mismatch between theory and practice here. Theory has it that this Parliament is absolutely sovereign, but, in practice, the very existence of devolution puts constraints on that sovereignty, as does the very fact that we are members of the European Union. I think that we have reached a point at which that needs to be legally recognised. There is no doubt that the word “normally” is legally imprecise, and if it ever arose in a court of law, enormous difficulties would result because of that conflict between theory and practice.

I take on board what the Secretary of State has said, and I hope that we shall see some movement. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 3

Elections

[Angus Robertson]

I beg to move amendment 60, page 2, line 7, leave out “Section B3 of”

European Union (Croatian Accession and Irish Protocol) Bill

Debate between Angus Robertson and Wayne David

Tuesday 6th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Wayne David]

Has the hon. Gentleman received the legal advice that the Scottish First Minister has clearly not received?

[Angus Robertson]

rose—

[Wayne David]

Was the hon. Gentleman listening to what I said?

[Angus Robertson]

I have. I am delighted—