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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That is the conclusion that some people might have reached when listening to the question of the right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber (Ian Blackford).

Chris Stephens Portrait Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)
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Conservative Members impinged on devolved competencies in legislation last night when they voted for the anti-strike Bill. Can the Secretary of State tell us this: since the Scottish Parliament passed the gender recognition reform Bill and his decision today, what correspondence has he had with the Scottish Government to try to resolve the issue, or is it him who is a bad faith actor?

Alister Jack Portrait Mr Jack
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As I think I have said, the Minister for Women and Equalities and civil service officials had a number of engagements. My involvement comes after the event, because it is a constitutional involvement. On the gender policy area, it is absolutely for the Minister to have that engagement, and she not only wrote but had a meeting.