Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Cox Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

There is a process, and it involves UK Treasury Ministers in negotiations with the Scottish Government. We are continuing to work on that process, and we will update the House when there is further news.

[Jo Cox (Batley and Spen) (Lab)]

9. What discussions he has had with women’s organisations on devolving competence for abortion legislation to the Scottish Parliament.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (David Mundell)]

The Smith commission recommended that abortion law be devolved to the Scottish Parliament, but recognised that the issue needed to be handled sensitively by the UK and Scottish Governments. Following ministerial discussion between Scotland’s two Governments, I confirmed that abortion would be devolved in the Scotland Bill, and wrote to interested parties. As I have already confirmed, there will be ongoing engagement with women’s groups as the matter is taken forward.

[Jo Cox]

We believe that the woman’s right to choose should be universal. Does the Secretary of State envisage any change in abortion law in Scotland?