Oral Answers to Questions

Gavin Newlands Excerpts

Wednesday 22nd February 2023 Commons Chamber

[Martin Docherty-Hughes (West Dunbartonshire) (SNP)]

1. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill on Scotland.

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

11. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill on Scotland.

[Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh South West) (SNP)]

14. What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill on Scotland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Jack]

I do not recognise that analysis. We are respecting and raising environmental standards. Where matters are devolved we respect that, and the Scottish Government are able to deal with those matters under retained EU law as they see fit. Where there is overlap, we have frameworks and we will work together.

[Gavin Newlands]

“What utter drivel” is, I think, the parliamentary terminology.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has warned not only that the Bill threatens economic harm, but that weakened safety standards on construction and other work sites risk the loss of life and limb. It states that that we might as well adopt the motto, “Saving time and costing lives”, for the Bill. How many Scottish workers’ lives does the Secretary of State believe are a worthwhile price to pay for the Brexit race to the bottom?

[Mr Jack]

When it comes to utter drivel, it should not be a competition, but the hon. Member has taken it to a new height. What utter drivel that was! Workers’ rights are entirely protected; in fact, they are being enhanced by this Government, and they are not dependent on EU membership.