Oral Answers to Questions

Fiona Bruce Excerpts

Wednesday 11th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con)]

7. What representations he has received from the Scottish Government on the holding of a referendum in Scotland on independence from the UK.

[Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con)]

8. What representations he has received from the Scottish Government on the holding of a referendum in Scotland on independence from the UK.

[Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con)]

10. What representations he has received from the Scottish Government on the holding of a referendum in Scotland on independence from the UK.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michael Moore]

My hon. Friend is correct to point to that independent analysis and the experience of Quebec and the rest of Canada. It is vital that the economic uncertainty we now face because of the referendum is resolved, which is why we have brought forward proposals to make the referendum legal, fair and decisive. I want it to happen as soon as possible.

[Fiona Bruce]

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that if the UK Government do not facilitate an independence referendum, one cannot take place?

[Michael Moore]

The central issue arising from the consultation that I launched yesterday is that, as things stand, the Scottish Parliament does not have the legal power to hold a referendum, regardless of how that is described, and we need to provide that power by working with it. I am committed to working with the Scottish Government, and with people from across the country, so that we can get the power devolved to Scotland, the Scottish Government can then develop the question and we can get on with the referendum, which will be made in Scotland, for the people of Scotland.